South Tunnel Construction
With the U.S. postwar economy and prosperity still on the rise, trans-Hudson vehicular traffic continued to grow after World War Two. And once again, the construction of an additional tunnel was approved by the Authority. This third two-lane tunnel, which was built to the South of the original tube, included approach roads in both New Jersey and New York and outlying parking areas. It was the 8,006 foot South Tunnel, a project that opened to traffic in May of 1957.
Total cost to construct the South Tunnel was $85 million
Busiest Tunnel In The world
Reported to be one of the busiest vehicular tunnels in the world, nearly 130,000 vehicles use the six lanes within the three tunnels each and every day. In fact, in 2007, the total traffic count in both directions was 43,684,000 vehicles.
To avoid rush hour traffic and significantly reduce travel time, during the weekday morning commute hours between 6 and 10 a.m., the normally westbound lane of the Center Tunnel is reserved exclusively for eastbound bus traffic into Manhattan. Current estimates show that each day approximately 1,700 buses transport over 60,000 commuters from the New Jersey Turnpike, across the Hudson River, onto ramps directly connected to the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal. The Center Tunnel is the only one where traffic flow can be changed by the Authority from a two-way, eastbound, or westbound, as conditions may warrant. The North and South Tunnels, however, are directionally fixed at two-way.
High Tech Security
To closely monitor this enormous volume of vehicular traffic, an extremely high-tech computer software system is in place that monitors all traffic and roadway conditions, automatically detects incidents such as collisions, stalled vehicles, accidents, fires, chemical spills, and suspicious activity. In addition, the system enhances facility security, and implements optimal response plans to maximize the efficiency of the tunnel. This fully integrated intelligent video surveillance is provided via video signals from close circuit TV cameras. The images are transmitted along fiber optics cables to the main control center video display wall where they are displayed on 22 Hitachi 42-inch HD plasma screens providing operators with 88 real time camera views of the tunnel complex.
The current two-axle vehicle toll for the 1.5 mile drive is $8.00. This toll is collected only for traffic entering Manhattan.
