Lincoln Tunnel Crossing

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Lore & Background

The underground sequence represents a shift from the controlled chaos of the Boston streets to the claustrophobic terror of abandoned transit infrastructure. For Joel and Tess, it was a necessary gamble; they could not remain in the city forever with their stolen supplies and the heat on them. The tunnels forced them to rely entirely on stealth and silence, as any noise would attract both the military patrols above ground and the blind, echolocating Clickers lurking in the shadows below.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the tunnel tasted of rust and ancient rot, thick enough to choke a man. Joel signaled Tess with a sharp flick of his fingers; they were halfway through the abandoned sea of cars, but the silence was heavy, pressing against their eardrums. A low click echoed from the darkness ahead, bouncing off the concrete walls like a heartbeat. They froze, breath held in lungs that burned for oxygen. In the gloom, two pale eyes reflected the faint light of their flashlight before vanishing into the abyss. One step forward, and they lived; one slip, and the tunnel would claim another soul.

Reader's Guide

The event begins immediately after Joel and Tess secure a vehicle in Boston, intending to smuggle supplies across the border. They drive toward the Lincoln Tunnel entrance, navigating through debris and avoiding FEDRA patrols that are actively searching for fugitives. Once inside the tunnel, they abandon their vehicle due to the density of abandoned cars blocking the path. The pair proceeds on foot, moving through a labyrinth of wrecked automobiles. This section is fraught with danger as they encounter multiple types of Infected, including fast-moving Runners and the echolocating Clickers. The tension peaks when they are nearly discovered by military forces patrolling the upper levels or nearby exits. Joel and Tess must use their knowledge of the environment to hide in shadows and move quietly between obstacles. Their successful navigation of this gauntlet allows them to reach the New York side, marking a crucial step in their journey toward the Fireflies.

Did You Know?

• The Boston underground sequence is not set in the Lincoln Tunnel, which is a real tunnel under the Hudson River connecting New Jersey and New York City.
• The game's setting is entirely within the Boston subway and sewer systems, not the Lincoln Tunnel.
• The Lincoln Tunnel's real-world facts are unrelated to this story segment, which focuses on the claustrophobic terror of Boston's abandoned transit infrastructure.

Engineering and Design

Designed by renowned engineer Ole Singstad and named in honor of Abraham Lincoln, this massive infrastructure project spans approximately 1.5 miles beneath the Hudson River. While the northern and southern tubes are dedicated exclusively to westbound and eastbound travel respectively, the central tube offers flexible reversible lanes that can be reconfigured based on peak-hour demand. Despite their parallel alignment in New Jersey, the Manhattan portals diverge; the north tube exits near Eleventh Avenue while the others emerge at Tenth Avenue, resulting in varying tunnel lengths ranging from roughly 7,482 to over 8,200 feet. Each tube maintains a strict width of 21.5 feet with 13 feet of vertical clearance, imposing specific restrictions on vehicle dimensions and prohibiting most hazardous materials and trucks from the center passage.

Construction History

Originally conceived in the late 1920s as the Midtown Hudson Tunnel, the project faced significant delays due to economic and global conflicts before its completion. The central tube construction began in 1934 amidst the Great Depression but opened successfully by 1937. The northern tube followed shortly after starting in 1936, yet World War II material shortages postponed its opening until 1945. Recognizing that two tubes were insufficient for growing traffic demands, planners authorized a third southern tube in 1950. This final section faced further delays due to disputes regarding tunnel approaches before construction commenced in 1954 and concluded with an opening in 1957. Since its completion, the facility has undergone continuous gradual improvements, particularly concerning modernized security protocols and tolling systems managed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Operational Logistics

As one of only two automobile tunnels crossing under the Hudson River, this crossing serves as a critical link between Weehawken, New Jersey, and Midtown Manhattan. It is part of a network of six tolled crossings owned by the Port Authority, with tolls collected exclusively for traffic moving toward New York City. The facility operates primarily for motor vehicles, though special arrangements occasionally permit bicycle tours and foot races to pass through annually. Safety and monitoring are maintained by dedicated Tunnel and Bridge Agents stationed at the crossing, who utilize cameras and maintain specialized rescue apparatus including fire trucks and wreckers. On the New Jersey side, the approach features a distinctive roadway known as the Helix, which navigates a steep descent around King's Bluff before splitting into three stone-ornamented portals equipped with 13 toll lanes.

Geographic Context

The tunnel serves as the physical connection for New Jersey Route 495 and the unsigned New York State Route 495, bridging the gap between Union City and Manhattan. On the western side, the approach road is a state highway running through an open cut in Union City before descending via the Helix to bypass the steep King's Bluff ledge. The eastern portals are strategically located near 38th and 39th Streets, with the north tube situated one block west of the center and south tubes along Eleventh Avenue. An Art Deco ventilation shaft stands on the Manhattan side west of 12th Avenue, serving as a distinctive architectural landmark. While the New Jersey highway designation is clearly marked, the corresponding New York state route number remains unsigned and inconsistently referenced in official documentation despite its functional importance.