East River Gas Tunnel StartIn 1892, work began on the East River Gas Tunnel under the East River, New York City, from the Long Island side. The New York end was started 10 Jul 1892. When both ends met, 11 Jul 1894, it became the first completed tunnel under the East River. (The East River was spanned by the Brooklyn Bridge that opened on 24 May 1883.) The 2550-ft tunnel was 8½-ft high by 10½-ft wide, smaller than one for public vehicle traffic, because it was intended for several gas mains. Illuminating gas from the works on Long Island could thus be distributed to Manhattan, which began on 15 Oct 1894. The tunnelling success also provided knowledge of local conditions and significant difficulties encountered, enabling future tunnels under the East River wherever needed. Work on four railroad tunnels commenced in 1904.« |
