December 22, 1937 – The Lincoln Tunnel opens

The 8,216 foot long Lincoln Tunnel, passing underneath the Hudson River between New York City and Weehawken, New Jersey, opened on this day in 1937. It cost a staggering $85 million to build the tunnel, equaling more than $1.51 billion today. Primary funding for the project came from the depression era Public Works Administration. When the tunnel opened, it cost 50 cents to pass through each way. The fee remained unchanged until 1970 when it bumped up to $1.00, but only when traveling eastbound. As of 2020, the one way fare is $16.00. Since opening, two additional tubes have been added to handle increased traffic.