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Also known as the Hudson River Vehicular Tunnel and the Canal Street Tunnel the Holland Tunnel is one of only two vehicular tunnels located beneath New York Citys Hudson River. Built between the years of 1920 and 1927, the Holland Tunnel is now one of the Big Apples busiest throughways, providing a quick and easy route from the Island of Manhattan to the neighboring state of New Jersey. Named for Clifford M. Holland, the tunnels chief engineer, the Holland Tunnel was the worlds first major ventilated vehicular tunnel. More than just a roadway, the Holland Tunnel is an important part of the citys past, present and future! If youre planning on visiting the neighboring state of New Jersey during your upcoming vacation to the Big Apple, Action Car Rentals New York City encourages you to utilize this engineering jewel. Built strong and sturdy, the Holland Tunnel is proud to be your New York City link!

Building the Holland Tunnel
Building the worlds first ventilated vehicular tunnel wasnt easy. In fact, commissioners initially considered building a bridge across the river, but this plan was quickly abandoned due to real estate and construction issues. Numerous design plans were put forth during the years between 1913 and 1918, many of which utilized a single tube design. Hollands design, which featured a revolutionary dual tube set-up was eventually selected, earning Holland the title of Chief Engineer. Construction on the bridge officially began in October of 1920. Unfortunately, Clifford Holland would never get to see his brainchild born he died one day before the sandhogs (tunnel workers) holed-through beneath the Hudson River. Milton Freeman took over the Hudson River Vehicular Tunnel Project, but he also passed away before the tunnel was completed. Ole Singstad was the engineer who actually oversaw the tunnels completion and perfected the pioneering ventilation system. The tunnel would eventually open on November 13, 1927, after seven years of hard labor and the death thirteen workers.

Terror in the Tunnel
On May 13, 1949 the Holland Tunnel was threatened when a chemical truck carrying some 80 drums of carbon disulfide caught fire and exploded beneath the Hudson River. The tunnel suffered substantial damage, including the destruction of many ceiling tiles and wall coverings. Approximately 125 vehicles were inside the tunnel at the time of the accident, which took place at approximately 8:30AM on the New Jersey side of the south tube. A prompt evacuation took place within the next half hour, and emergency crews were on the scene in no time. Five rescue companies, 14 engine companies and at least 13 ambulances were seen at the tunnel site, including over 40 firemen, seven police emergency squads and seven chief units. Ten vehicles were completely destroyed in the disaster and 13 others were damaged. Sixty-six people were injured, 27 were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, but no fatalities were recorded. The Holland Tunnel was threatened with fire for a second time on March 25, 2002 when an abandoned warehouse/storage facility caught fire along the Jersey City shore. This fire caused the Holland Tunnel to shut down for several days while firefighters and demolition crews attempted to clean up the rubble.

The Holland Tunnel of Today
The Holland Tunnel has recently undergone a variety of exciting renovations in order to help serve the travelers of New York better. These projects include the installation of a new motorist information system, the replacements of 84 ventilation fans and the rehabilitation of the New Jersey entranceway.

Action Car Rentals New York City encourages you to visit this Big Apple icon during your upcoming travels. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, some 33,926,000 vehicles utilized this popular pathway last year including motorcycles, delivery vans and Action Car Rental New York City rent-a-cars! A toll must be paid when leaving New Jersey, before entering Manhattan, so remember to keep some extra change in your Action Car Rental New York City rent-a-car cup holders. The toll is currently $6 for cars.

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