Battery-Joralemon Street Tunnel

Abstract

The construction of the Battery-Joralemon Street Tunnel is described. Built between 1903 and 1907, it was the first subway tunnel placed in service under the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Both heading-and-bench rock tunneling and pressurized shield soft-soil tunneling techniques were used. Loss of control of the tunneling shield in partially saturated sands caused variations in alignment that made portions of the tunnel nonfunctional. Approximately 3,000 ft of the tunnel had to be reconstructed to enable subway cars to use the tunnel safely. Additionally, due to concerns regarding the stability of the tunnel in the soft soils, piles were installed under the tunnel to bedrock. The project was a crucible for subway contractors and engineers of the Rapid Transit Commission, especially Clifford M. Holland. His experience on the Joralemon Street Tunnel enabled him to efficiently and safely complete four other East River subway tunnels after the Dual System Agreement of March 1913.