View source for Queens–Midtown Tunnel

{{Short description|Tunnel in New York City}}
{{distinguish|Midtown Tunnel (Virginia)}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}}
{{Infobox tunnel
| name = Queens&ndash;Midtown Tunnel
| image = TBTA QUEENS-MIDTOWN TUNNEL.svg
| image_size = 100
| caption =
| official_name = Queens Midtown Tunnel
| also_known_as = Midtown Tunnel<!--, 38th Street Tunnel-->
| lanes = 4
| speed = {{convert|40|mph|kph}}
| route = {{jct|state=NY|I-Toll|495}}
| crosses = [[East River]]
| location = [[Manhattan]] and [[Queens]], New York City, New York, US
| operator = [[MTA Bridges and Tunnels]]
| length = {{convert|6414|ft|m}} (northern tube)<br>{{convert|6272|ft|m}} (southern tube)
| width =
| height = {{convert|12|ft|1|in|m}} <!---- Signs show 12'1", so the metric value should follow it. ---->
| traffic = 73,470 (2016)<ref name="nycdot16">{{cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-bridge-traffic-report-2016.pdf|title=New York City Bridge Traffic Volumes|date=2016|publisher=New York City Department of Transportation|page=11|access-date=March 16, 2018|archive-date=March 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180311161313/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/nyc-bridge-traffic-report-2016.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| opened = {{start date and age|November 15, 1940}}
| closed =
| toll = {{Bulleted list|Both directions: Tunnel toll as of August 6, 2023, $11.19 (Tolls By Mail and non-New York [[E-ZPass]]); $6.94 (New York E-ZPass); $9.11 (Mid-Tier NYCSC E-Z Pass)|Manhattan-bound only: [[Congestion pricing in New York City|Variable congestion charge]] incurred upon exit}}
| coordinates = {{coord|40|44|44|N|73|57|53|W|region:US-NY_type:landmark|display=inline|name=Queens–Midtown Tunnel}}
| map = {{Location map | USA New York City
| label =
| label_size =. 
| alt =
| position = right
| background =
| lon_dir = W
| lat_dir = N
| lat_deg = 40.745556
| lon_deg = 73.964722
| mark =
| marksize =
| border = none
| float =
| width = 250
| caption = 
}}
}}

The '''Queens&ndash;Midtown Tunnel''' (often referred to as the '''Midtown Tunnel''')<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/qmt.html|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel|access-date=September 30, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006091421/http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/qmt.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/qmtaccess.html|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel Access Roads|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=September 30, 2014|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014201400/http://web.mta.info/bandt/html/qmtaccess.html|url-status=live}}</ref> is a vehicular tunnel under the [[East River]] in [[New York City]], connecting the [[Boroughs of New York City|boroughs]] of [[Manhattan]] and [[Queens]]. The tunnel consists of a pair of tubes, each carrying two lanes. The west end of the tunnel is located on the [[East Side (Manhattan)|East Side]] of [[Midtown Manhattan]], while the east end of the tunnel is located in [[Long Island City]] in Queens. [[Interstate 495 (New York)|Interstate 495]] (I-495) runs the entire length of the tunnel; I-495's western terminus is at the Manhattan portal of the tunnel.

The Queens–Midtown Tunnel was first planned in 1921, though the plans for the tunnel were modified over the following years. By the 1930s, the tunnel was being proposed as the '''Triborough Tunnel''', which would connect Queens and [[Brooklyn]] with the east and west sides of Manhattan. The New York City Tunnel Authority finally started construction on the tunnel in 1936, although by then, the plans had been downsized to a connector between Queens and the east side of Manhattan. The tunnel, designed by [[Ole Singstad]], was opened to traffic on November 15, 1940.

The Queens–Midtown Tunnel is owned by New York City and operated by [[MTA Bridges and Tunnels]], an affiliate agency of the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]. It is used by several dozen express bus routes. From 1981 to 2016, the Queens–Midtown Tunnel was also the site of the [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus]] Animal Walk.

==Description==
The Queens–Midtown Tunnel consists of two tubes that each carry two traffic lanes. The southern tube normally carries eastbound traffic to Queens, and the northern tube normally carries westbound traffic to Manhattan.<ref name=google/> During the morning rush hour, one lane in the southern tube is used as a westbound [[high-occupancy vehicle lane]]. The {{convert|6414|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} northern tube is slightly longer than the {{convert|6272|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} southern tube. This is because the tubes' portals in Queens are located side by side, while the Manhattan portals are slightly offset from each other.<ref name="Salazar 2015">{{cite web|last=Salazar|first=Cristian|title=The Queens Midtown Tunnel turns 75: See rare photos|website=am New York|date=November 13, 2015|url=https://www.amny.com/transit/queens-midtown-tunnel-turns-75-see-photos-of-the-first-underwater-road-between-manhattan-and-li-1.11112395|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053403/https://www.amny.com/transit/queens-midtown-tunnel-turns-75-see-photos-of-the-first-underwater-road-between-manhattan-and-li-1.11112395|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Route===
The Queens–Midtown Tunnel's eastern end is in [[Long Island City]], where [[Interstate 495 (New York)|Interstate 495]] (I-495) descends from a viaduct into the tunnel. A toll plaza was formerly located here.<ref name=google/> Exits 13 and 14 for I-495 are located just east of the former toll plaza. Exit 13 is located right underneath the [[Pulaski Bridge]] and contains an eastbound-only exit and entrance to and from Borden Avenue. Exit 14, located immediately east of exit 13, contains an eastbound exit and westbound entrance to the tunnel from [[New York State Route 25A]] (21st Street). Eastbound traffic entering from Exit 13 intersects with traffic exiting to Exit 14, which must stop and yield to each other. Westbound traffic entering from Exit 14 can enter the tunnel from either 21st Street or 50th Avenue; there is no westbound exit.<ref name=google/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/HighwayInventory-QueensCounty-2016.zip|title=Queens County Inventory Listing|date=August 7, 2015|publisher=New York State Department of Transportation|format=CSV|access-date=September 5, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628072658/https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/hds-respository/HighwayInventory-QueensCounty-2016.zip|url-status=live}}</ref> Although exits 13 and 14 are sequential [[exit number]]s on I-495, they are actually the first and second numbered exits on I-495. The exits from the Manhattan side are not numbered.<ref name=google/>

The tubes travel under the East River until they are directly below [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]] on the Manhattan side, then curve south under First Avenue. The tubes then turn west between 36th and 37th Streets.<ref name=google/>

Both tubes surface east of Second Avenue in [[Midtown Manhattan]]. The westbound roadway passes underneath Second Avenue and continues west for a half-block, where it splits into three exit ramps. One ramp continues westbound to 37th Street, while the other two connect to ''Tunnel Exit Street'', which runs south to [[34th Street (Manhattan)|34th Street]] and north to 41st Street.<ref name=google/> The northernmost block of Tunnel Exit Street, between 40th and 41st Streets, was sold to private interests in 1961 but continues to be in public use.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stengren|first=Bernard|title=Midtown Tunnel Exit Strip Is Sold to Private Company|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 1, 1960|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/01/archives/midtown-tunnel-exit-strip-is-sold-to-private-company-but-triborough.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422062246/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/01/archives/midtown-tunnel-exit-strip-is-sold-to-private-company-but-triborough.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The southern tube rises to ground level east of Second Avenue, where it is fed by eastbound traffic on 36th Street, as well as by entrance ramps from the north and south. These entrance ramps, collectively referred to as ''Tunnel Approach Street'', run between Second and First Avenues from 34th Street to 40th Street.<ref name="google">{{google maps|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel, New York, NY|url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/Queens+Midtown+Tunnel,+New+York,+NY/@40.7451334,-73.9663343,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c25919b1684577:0xd6a5e14ab158843a!8m2!3d40.7451334!4d-73.9641456|access-date=April 16, 2018}}</ref><ref name=BDE-QMT-Plans-1936/> Electronic toll gantries are located just outside the Manhattan portals.<ref name=ABC-Cashless-2017/>

The Manhattan side was originally also supposed to link with the proposed [[Mid-Manhattan Expressway]] and the [[FDR Drive|East River (FDR) Drive]], though neither connection was built.<ref name=BDE-QMT-Plans-1936/><ref name="NYT-QMT-Plans-1936"/> Additionally, the Queens side was to have connected to an expressway that would have reached to the [[Rockaway, Queens|Rockaway Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite web|title=17-Mile Highway Mapped in Queens|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=February 7, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/02/07/archives/17mile-highway-mapped-in-queens-express-road-from-midtown-tunnel-to.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053222/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/02/07/archives/17mile-highway-mapped-in-queens-express-road-from-midtown-tunnel-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Route designation===
The tunnel was once designated as part of [[New York State Route 24]]. In the mid-1940s, NY&nbsp;24 was routed to follow the Crosstown Connecting Highway and the Queens–Midtown Expressway between [[Queens Boulevard]] in [[Woodside, Queens]], and the Queens–Midtown Tunnel. NY&nbsp;24 continued through the tunnel and ended at First and Second Avenues in Manhattan, which at the time were designated as [[New York State Route 1A|NY&nbsp;1A]].<ref name="1942map">{{cite map|title=New York with Pictorial Guide|publisher=Esso|year=1942|cartography=General Drafting}}</ref><ref>{{cite map|title=New York Road Map and Pictorial Sight-Seeing Guide|publisher=[[Sinclair Oil Corporation]]|year=1947|cartography=Rand McNally and Company}}</ref> The Crosstown Connection Highway and the Midtown Highway were upgraded into the first portions of the [[Brooklyn–Queens Expressway]] (BQE) and the [[Queens Midtown Expressway]], respectively, in the early 1950s.<ref>{{cite map|title=New York|publisher=[[Sunoco]]|cartography=Rand McNally and Company|year=1952}}</ref><ref>{{cite map|title=New York with Special Maps of Putnam–Rockland–Westchester Counties and Finger Lakes Region|publisher=Esso|cartography=General Drafting|edition=1955–56|year=1954}}</ref> NY&nbsp;24 was rerouted along the LIE between the Queens–Midtown Tunnel and [[Farmingdale, New York]], in the late 1950s,<ref>{{cite map|title=New York with Special Maps of Putnam–Rockland–Westchester Counties and Finger Lakes Region|publisher=Esso|cartography=General Drafting|edition=1958|year=1958}}</ref><ref name="1960map">{{cite map|title=New York and New Jersey Tourgide<!--sic--> Map|publisher=[[Gulf Oil Company]]|cartography=Rand McNally and Company|year=1960}}</ref> and the designation was removed from the LIE altogether {{circa|lk=no|1962}}.<ref name="1961map"/><ref>{{cite map|title=New York with Sight-Seeing Guide|publisher=Esso|cartography=General Drafting|year=1962}}</ref> The expressway and tunnel were designated as I-495 {{circa}} 1960.<ref name="1960map" /><ref name="1961map">{{cite map|title=New York and Metropolitan New York|publisher=Sunoco|cartography=[[H.M. Gousha Company]]|year=1961|edition=1961–62}}</ref>

===Features===
The two tubes were built with an exterior diameter of {{convert|31|ft|m}}, a roadway {{convert|21|ft|m}} wide, and a maximum vehicular height limit of {{convert|13|ft|1|in|m}}.<ref name=NYTimes-PWA-grant-1936/> {{As of|2015}}, the vehicular height limit is {{convert|12|ft|1|in|m}}, and the width limit is {{convert|8|ft|6|in|m}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2015-06-08-truck-map-combined.pdf|title=New York City Truck Route Map|date=June 8, 2015|website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]]|publisher=[[New York City Department of Transportation]]|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=February 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224152640/http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/2015-06-08-truck-map-combined.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The portals of each tube contain flood doors weighing {{convert|20|ST|LT t}} and measuring {{convert|2|ft}} thick, {{convert|14|ft}} across, and {{convert|29|ft}} tall.<ref>{{cite web | last=Gonella | first=Catalina | title=This 20-ton door is the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel's last line of defense against floods, MTA says | website=Gothamist | date=July 21, 2024 | url=https://gothamist.com/news/this-20-ton-door-is-the-hugh-l-carey-tunnels-last-line-of-defense-mta-says | access-date=July 22, 2024}}</ref>

[[File:Moses Playground roller hockey jeh.jpg|thumb|The Robert Moses Playground, next to the tunnel's Manhattan ventilation building and the [[headquarters of the United Nations]].]]

The tunnel contains two ventilation buildings, one on each side of the East River. Both ventilation towers are {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} orange brick structures in the [[Art Deco]] style.<ref name="MTA 2014">{{cite web|title=Keeping Things Fresh At Queens Midtown Tunnel|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|date=October 27, 2014|url=http://newqa.mta-hq.info/news/2014/10/27/keeping-things-fresh-queens-midtown-tunnel|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120600/http://newqa.mta-hq.info/news/2014/10/27/keeping-things-fresh-queens-midtown-tunnel|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-NewVents-1940"/> The tower on the Manhattan side is an octagon-shaped structure located on a city-owned block bounded by 41st and 42nd Streets, First Avenue, and the FDR Drive. This block is shared with the [[Robert Moses Playground]], a playground operated by the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] (NYC Parks), which was built along with the tunnel and opened in 1941.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Moses Playground Highlights|url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M158/highlights/6496|publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation|access-date=March 5, 2011|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628234248/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M158/highlights/6496|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=St. Vartan Park Highlights|url=http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M076/history|publisher=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation|access-date=August 20, 2011|archive-date=September 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920071224/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M076/history|url-status=live}}</ref> The Queens side's ventilation building is a rectangular tower located in the center of Borden Avenue between Second and Fifth Streets.<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Projects/Hunters_Point_South/HPS2_02_Land_Use.pdf|title=Hunter's Point South Rezoning and Related Actions FEIS|chapter=Chapter 2: Land Use, Zoning, and Public Policy|publisher=[[New York City Economic Development Corporation]]|date=April 3, 2008|access-date=April 18, 2018|page=5|archive-date=September 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927053700/http://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Projects/Hunters_Point_South/HPS2_02_Land_Use.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/oec/downloads/pdf/dme_projects/08DME006Q/FEIS/08DME006Q_FEIS_07_Historic.pdf|title=Hunter's Point South Rezoning and Related Actions FEIS|chapter=Chapter 7: Historic Resources|publisher=[[New York City Economic Development Corporation]]|date=April 3, 2008|access-date=April 18, 2018|page=7|archive-date=February 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218105805/https://www1.nyc.gov/html/oec/downloads/pdf/dme_projects/08DME006Q/FEIS/08DME006Q_FEIS_07_Historic.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to its location in the middle of Borden Avenue, traffic along the road drives around the building.<ref name="MTA 2014"/> The two buildings originally contained a combined 23 fans, which were replaced in the mid-2000s. The ventilation system is capable of completely filtering the tubes' air within 90 seconds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel Turns 70 Today|website=WNYC|date=February 26, 2009|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/282859-queens-midtown-tunnel-turns-70-today/|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=February 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225103040/https://www.wnyc.org/story/282859-queens-midtown-tunnel-turns-70-today/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYPost-FanMakeover-2004">{{cite web|title=Fan-tastic Makeover For Tunnel|website=New York Post|date=July 12, 2004|url=https://nypost.com/2004/07/12/fan-tastic-makeover-for-tunnel/|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053306/https://nypost.com/2004/07/12/fan-tastic-makeover-for-tunnel/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Queens portal also abuts the small Bridge and Tunnel Park, which is bounded by the Pulaski Bridge on the west, 50th Avenue on the north, 11th Place on the east, and the Queens–Midtown Tunnel entrance ramp on the south. The park opened in 1979, and is operated by the [[Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]] (TBTA; now [[MTA Bridges and Tunnels]]). NYC Parks owns the land that constitutes Bridge and Tunnel Park.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bridge and Tunnel Park Highlights : NYC Parks|website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bridge-and-tunnel-park/history|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422063053/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/bridge-and-tunnel-park/history|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==

===Initial proposal===
The Queens–Midtown Tunnel was originally proposed in 1921 by [[Manhattan]]'s borough president, [[Julius Miller]].<ref name=NYTimes-TunnelOpened-1940/> The plan resurfaced in 1926 under the names '''Triborough Tunnel''' and alternatively '''38th Street Tunnel'''. Miller, in conjunction with [[Queens]]' borough president, [[Maurice E. Connolly]], proposed the $58 million tunnel as a connector from Midtown Manhattan to Long Island City in Queens, and to [[Greenpoint, Brooklyn|Greenpoint]] in [[Brooklyn]]. At the time, there was frequent and heavy congestion on bridges across the [[East River]], which separated Manhattan from the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn on [[Long Island]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201926%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201926%2520-%25201393.pdf|title=Demands Quick Traffic Relief For Jamaica|date=December 20, 1926|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vehicle Tube Plan for Queens is Ready|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 8, 1926|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/08/archives/vehicle-tube-plan-for-queens-is-ready-miller-will-submit-58000000.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053748/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/08/archives/vehicle-tube-plan-for-queens-is-ready-miller-will-submit-58000000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Brooklyn borough president [[James J. Byrne]] expressed his displeasure at the fact that the Queens and Manhattan borough presidents had proposed the Triborough Tunnel without consulting him first.<ref name=NYTimes-BoE_MayorStudy-1926/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201926%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201926%2520a%2520Grayscale%2520-%25203840.pdf|title=Triboro Tunnel for Vehicles is Moved by Miller|date=December 9, 1926|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> That December, Mayor [[Jimmy Walker|James J. Walker]] formed a commission to study traffic congestion on New York City bridges and tunnels.<ref name="NYTimes-BoE_MayorStudy-1926">{{cite web|title=Asks Study Of Jams On East River Bridges|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 10, 1926|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/10/archives/asks-study-of-jams-on-east-river-bridges-board-of-estimate-wants.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053326/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/12/10/archives/asks-study-of-jams-on-east-river-bridges-board-of-estimate-wants.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Local civic groups felt that it would be inadequate to simply increase capacity on existing crossings like the [[Queensboro Bridge]], since there were no roads connecting Long Island with Midtown Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%25201926%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Greenpoint%2520Daily%2520Star%25201926%2520-%25200406.pdf|title=Real Estate Men Urge Mobilization for Traffic Relief|date=December 24, 1926|work=Greenpoint Daily Star|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124024613/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Brooklyn%20NY%20Greenpoint%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Greenpoint%20Daily%20Star%201926/Brooklyn%20NY%20Greenpoint%20Daily%20Star%201926%20-%200406.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The city ultimately declined to give its immediate support to the Triborough Tunnel proposal.<ref>{{cite web|title=City Heads Defer Queens Tube Plan|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 4, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/04/archives/city-heads-defer-queens-tube-plan-advice-miller-to-seek-state-aid.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053225/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/01/04/archives/city-heads-defer-queens-tube-plan-advice-miller-to-seek-state-aid.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 1927, civic groups formed the 38th Street Tunnel Committee to advocate for the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Business Men Want East River Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 15, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/15/archives/business-men-want-east-river-tunnel-organize-movement-to-stave-off.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053308/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/15/archives/business-men-want-east-river-tunnel-organize-movement-to-stave-off.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The groups stated that the tunnel would act as a relief corridor for traffic from midtown Manhattan, which at the time had to use other crossings to the north or south.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201927%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201927%2520-%25201080.pdf|title=Vehicular Tube To L. I. Is Demanded|date=April 19, 1927|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030646/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201927/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201927%20-%201080.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=See Traffic Relief In East River Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 19, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/19/archives/see-traffic-relief-in-east-river-tube-backers-of-long-island-city.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053403/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/04/19/archives/see-traffic-relief-in-east-river-tube-backers-of-long-island-city.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That June, the city voted to allocate $100,000 toward surveying sites and making test bores.<ref name="DailyPress-VehicularArteries-1927">{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201927%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201927%2520-%25201872.pdf|title=Real Estate Board Hears Of Plans For Vehicular Arteries|date=June 16, 1927|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=10|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124024716/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201927/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201927%20-%201872.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=City Votes Funds For Queens Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 10, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/10/archives/city-votes-funds-for-queens-tunnel-appropriates-100000-for-survey-a.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053647/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/10/archives/city-votes-funds-for-queens-tunnel-appropriates-100000-for-survey-a.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Following news of this allotment, several more civic groups expressed support for the tunnel and urged that it be completed as soon as possible.<ref>See:
*{{cite web|title=Merchants Favor Tunnel to Queens|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 26, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/26/archives/merchants-favor-tunnel-to-queens-east-thirtyeighth-street-tube.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053305/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/06/26/archives/merchants-favor-tunnel-to-queens-east-thirtyeighth-street-tube.html|url-status=live}}
*{{cite web|title=Seeks Law To Push 38th Street Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 12, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/12/archives/seeks-law-to-push-38th-street-tunnel-capt-pedrick-says-proposed.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053759/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/12/archives/seeks-law-to-push-38th-street-tunnel-capt-pedrick-says-proposed.html|url-status=live}}
*{{cite web|title=First Avenue Body Urges Queens Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 21, 1927|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/21/archives/first-avenue-body-urges-queens-tunnel-it-sees-thirtyeighth-st.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053628/https://www.nytimes.com/1927/09/21/archives/first-avenue-body-urges-queens-tunnel-it-sees-thirtyeighth-st.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By February 1929, thirty-five civic groups supported the construction of the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Urge City To Speed Bridge And Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=February 5, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/05/archives/urge-city-to-speed-bridge-and-tunnel-thirtyfive-civic-bodies-join.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053509/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/05/archives/urge-city-to-speed-bridge-and-tunnel-thirtyfive-civic-bodies-join.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Simultaneously, civic groups proposed a {{convert|4.3|mi|km|adj=on}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Urges An Early Start On East River Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=March 17, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/17/archives/urges-an-early-start-on-east-river-tunnel-committee-asserts.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053444/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/03/17/archives/urges-an-early-start-on-east-river-tunnel-committee-asserts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> system of tunnels under Manhattan, connecting Queens in the east with [[Weehawken, New Jersey]], in the west. The groups proposed that the Queens–Midtown Tunnel connect with the [[Lincoln Tunnel|Midtown Hudson (Lincoln) Tunnel]], which would cross the [[Hudson River]] and continue westward to New Jersey.<ref>{{cite web|last=Duffus|first=R.l.|title=A Midtown Tunnel For Vehicles Is Proposed|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 20, 1928|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/20/archives/a-midtown-tunnel-for-vehicles-is-proposed-civic-bodies-support-a.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053720/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/05/20/archives/a-midtown-tunnel-for-vehicles-is-proposed-civic-bodies-support-a.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The planned tunnel would originate at [[10th Avenue (Manhattan)|10th Avenue]] on Manhattan's west side, run underneath Manhattan streets and the East River, and surface near Borden Avenue at the Long Island City side. The tunnel would contain exits to Oakland Street in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as well as to Third Avenue in Manhattan.<ref name=DailyPress-VehicularArteries-1927/><ref>{{cite web|title=Favors Tolls for Tri-Boro Bridge|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 2, 1928|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/02/archives/favors-tolls-for-triboro-bridge-feasibility-of-that-plan-explained.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053235/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/02/archives/favors-tolls-for-triboro-bridge-feasibility-of-that-plan-explained.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Fifth Avenue Association further proposed that the city create a bridge-and-tunnel authority to would raise funding and oversee construction and operations. The proposed agency would be similar to the [[Port of New York Authority]], which was constructing and operating Hudson River crossings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Merchants Favor East River Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 9, 1928|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/09/archives/merchants-favor-east-river-tube-fifth-avenue-association-endorses.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120536/https://www.nytimes.com/1928/12/09/archives/merchants-favor-east-river-tube-fifth-avenue-association-endorses.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Approval===
[[File:Queens-Midtown Tunnel 4.JPG|thumb|left|Manhattan portal]]
The [[Chamber of Commerce of the State of New York]] formally endorsed a Queens–Manhattan crossing in January 1929, but stated that the crossing could be either a bridge or a tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asks Artery To Link Midtown To Queens|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 4, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/04/archives/asks-artery-to-link-midtown-to-queens-state-chamber-of-commerce-in.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419055135/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/01/04/archives/asks-artery-to-link-midtown-to-queens-state-chamber-of-commerce-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The city began conducting a study on the feasibility of constructing the Triborough Tunnel, as well as the [[Triborough Bridge]] between Queens, Manhattan, and [[the Bronx]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201928%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201928%2520-%25204784.pdf|title=Traffic Relief to be Study of Harvey Group|date=January 25, 1929|work=Brooklyn Daily Star|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124024609/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201928/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201928%20-%204784.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The study's authors suggested that the city construct a network of parkways and expressways, including a major highway leading from Long Island to the Manhattan-Queens tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Harvey Gives Out His Highway Survey|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 27, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/27/archives/harvey-gives-out-his-highway-survey-submits-proposals-of-borough.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053537/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/27/archives/harvey-gives-out-his-highway-survey-submits-proposals-of-borough.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Queens Planning Commission also recommended the construction of the Triborough Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Urges 5 New Links Across East River|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 25, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/05/25/archives/urges-5-new-links-across-east-river-queens-report-calls-for-more.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053752/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/05/25/archives/urges-5-new-links-across-east-river-queens-report-calls-for-more.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An official plan for the Triborough Tunnel was released that June. The plan outlined an $86 million system of feeder highways, including the crosstown Manhattan tunnel and the tunnel spur from Brooklyn.<ref>{{cite web|title=Triborough Tube Planned Across City At 38th St. And Under East River|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 7, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/07/archives/triborough-tube-planned-across-city-at-38th-st-and-under-east-river.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419055128/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/07/archives/triborough-tube-planned-across-city-at-38th-st-and-under-east-river.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The New York City Board of Estimate approved the use of tolls for the tunnel, which would be used toward tunnel maintenance and create revenue for the city.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tolls Authorized For 38th St. Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 11, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/11/archives/tolls-authorized-for-38th-st-tube-estimate-board-members-vote-to.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120503/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/11/archives/tolls-authorized-for-38th-st-tube-estimate-board-members-vote-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, officials expected that tunnel construction could start by the end of that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252015%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201929%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Star%25201929%2520-%25202690.pdf|title=New Midtown Tunnel Work Seen This Year Following Toll O.K.|date=June 14, 1929|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124024720/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201929/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201929%20-%202690.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 1929, the city was faced with unexpected legal issues. The language of Walker's proclamation ostensibly allowed construction to proceed, but in doing so, tasked the wrong city agency with constructing the Triborough Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tunnel Projects By City Face Delay|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 28, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/28/archives/tunnel-projects-by-city-face-delay-legislature-may-be-called-on-to.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120632/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/06/28/archives/tunnel-projects-by-city-face-delay-legislature-may-be-called-on-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Civic groups convened a special session in which they asked the [[New York City Board of Estimate]] to override the laws so the tunnel could be approved.<ref>{{cite web|title=Seek Quick Action On 38th St. Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 21, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/21/archives/seek-quick-action-on-38th-st-tube-delegates-of-40-civic-bodies-to.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120525/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/21/archives/seek-quick-action-on-38th-st-tube-delegates-of-40-civic-bodies-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Board of Estimate ultimately allotted $5 million toward feasibility studies and preliminary construction for the Manhattan–Queens tunnel, as well as [[Narrows Tunnel|another tunnel]] under [[the Narrows]] between Brooklyn and [[Staten Island]].<ref>{{cite web|title=City Votes $5,000,000 Assuring Midtown And Narrows Tubes|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 26, 1929|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/26/archives/city-votes-5000000-assuring-midtown-and-narrows-tubes-estimate.html|access-date=April 16, 2018|archive-date=March 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314042926/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/07/26/archives/city-votes-5000000-assuring-midtown-and-narrows-tubes-estimate.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Afterward, the [[New York City Board of Transportation]] hurried to submit plans for the Triborough Tunnel's construction.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Board Of Transportation To Rush Plans For Building Midtown Vehicle Tunnel|date=July 26, 1929|work=Long Island Daily Press|pages=[http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201929/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201929%20-%200360.pdf 1], [http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2015/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201929/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Star%201929%20-%200364.pdf 5]|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref>

[[File:2024-05-24 11 01 26 View west along Interstate 495 (Queens-Midtown Expressway-Long Island Expressway) towards the Queens-Midtown Tunnel from the overpass for 11th Street-Pulaski Bridge in Queens, New York City, New York.jpg|thumb|right|Queens portal]]
In January 1930, after the Midtown Hudson Tunnel between Manhattan and New Jersey was approved, engineers initiated a study to examine a possible connection with the Triborough Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Study Way to Link Two New Tunnels|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 14, 1930|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/01/14/archives/study-way-to-link-two-new-tunnels-engineers-meet-problems-in.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053832/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/01/14/archives/study-way-to-link-two-new-tunnels-engineers-meet-problems-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Around this time, engineers revised the Triborough Tunnel's eastern approaches, moving the route of the Brooklyn spur from 11th to 21st Street.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201930%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201930%2520a%2520Grayscale%2520-%25204850.pdf|title=Tunnel Plans Are Modified|date=January 25, 1930|work=The New York Sun|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=8|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031220/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201930%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201930%20a%20Grayscale%20-%204850.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Exploratory borings were reportedly completed by June 1930.<ref>{{cite web|title=Finishing Tunnel Plans|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 8, 1930|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/08/archives/finishing-tunnel-plans-engineers-mapping-final-details-of-38th.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053324/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/06/08/archives/finishing-tunnel-plans-engineers-mapping-final-details-of-38th.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Three months later, the Board of Transportation modified the plans for the tunnel on the Manhattan side. The new plans included a "mixing plaza" at Second Avenue in Manhattan, where the tubes from Queens and from Manhattan's west side would rise to ground level. The eastbound and westbound tubes would respectively run under 37th and 38th Streets, since the streets were too narrow to accommodate two tubes side-by-side.<ref>{{cite web|title=Two-Street Route for Midtown Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 19, 1930|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/09/19/archives/twostreet-route-for-midtown-tube-transportation-board-decides-to.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120530/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/09/19/archives/twostreet-route-for-midtown-tube-transportation-board-decides-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Advocates of the Triborough Tunnel opposed the construction of surface-level exit plazas, saying that the mixing plaza would force motorists to briefly drive along the narrow side streets.<ref>{{cite web|title=Advocates Revising 38th St. Tunnel Plan|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 10, 1930|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/10/archives/advocates-revising-38th-st-tunnel-plan-midtown-group-says-forcing-a.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053227/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/10/archives/advocates-revising-38th-st-tunnel-plan-midtown-group-says-forcing-a.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One group proposed a crosstown elevated highway in lieu of a tunnel under Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ask Elevated Road To 38th St. Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 11, 1930|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/11/archives/ask-elevated-road-to-38th-st-tunnel-broadway-association-directors.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053535/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/11/11/archives/ask-elevated-road-to-38th-st-tunnel-broadway-association-directors.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 1930, the [[United States Department of War]] approved the construction of the Triborough Tunnel, since the tube would not hinder maritime navigation during wartime.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201930%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201930%2520a%2520Grayscale%2520-%25204850.pdf|title=U.S. Approves 38th St. Tube In East River|date=December 30, 1930|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031220/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201930%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201930%20a%20Grayscale%20-%204850.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-Approved-Army-1930">{{cite web|title=East River Tunnel Approved By Army|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 31, 1930|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/12/31/archives/east-river-tunnel-approved-by-army-but-work-on-vehicular-tube-is.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053639/https://www.nytimes.com/1930/12/31/archives/east-river-tunnel-approved-by-army-but-work-on-vehicular-tube-is.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Even with this approval, the Board of Transportation had delayed construction by several months because of significant public concerns about the crosstown-highway section.<ref name="NYTimes-Approved-Army-1930"/> In June 1931, the Board of Transportation submitted a detailed revised plan for the Triborough Tunnel to the Board of Estimate. The project was now expected to cost $93.6 million, including the $23.5 million alignment under the East River and within Queens.<ref>{{cite web|title=$93,600,000 Project For Midtown Tunnel Up For City Action|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 13, 1931|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/13/archives/93600000-project-for-midtown-tunnel-up-for-city-action-mixing-plaza.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=March 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325050939/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/06/13/archives/93600000-project-for-midtown-tunnel-up-for-city-action-mixing-plaza.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That October, the Board of Estimate allocated $200,000 for planning. It was expected that construction would start in March 1932 and the East River segment would be complete by 1936.<ref>{{cite web|title=City Acts To Press 38th Street Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 7, 1931|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1931/10/07/archives/city-acts-to-press-38th-street-tunnel-board-votes-200000-to-keep.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053319/https://www.nytimes.com/1931/10/07/archives/city-acts-to-press-38th-street-tunnel-board-votes-200000-to-keep.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By July 1932, no contracts had been awarded because of a lack of funding, and the tunnel's cost had increased to $80 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252023%2FRochester%2520NY%2520Times%2520Union%2FRochester%2520NY%2520Times%2520Union%25201932%2FRochester%2520NY%2520Times%2520Union%25201932%2520b%2520-%25202826.pdf|title=N.Y. Body Asks Federal Aid On Work Projects|last=Associated Press|date=July 27, 1933|work=Rochester Times-Union|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=14|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025229/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2023/Rochester%20NY%20Times%20Union/Rochester%20NY%20Times%20Union%201932/Rochester%20NY%20Times%20Union%201932%20b%20-%202826.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Federal Aid Sought For Projects Here|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 19, 1932|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/07/19/archives/federal-aid-sought-for-projects-here-1400000-urged-for-state-park.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120451/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/07/19/archives/federal-aid-sought-for-projects-here-1400000-urged-for-state-park.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As the Midtown Tunnel plan faltered, the Board of Estimate approved the construction of other projects that had not been as extensively studied.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201933%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201933%252004210.pdf|title=Board Is Assailed For Ignoring Boro In Tunnel Plans|date=December 28, 1933|work=North Shore Daily Journal|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025130/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201933/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201933%2004210.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Plans revived===
In May 1935, Governor [[Herbert H. Lehman]] signed a bill that authorized the creation of the Queens–Midtown Tunnel Authority to construct the tunnel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201935%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201935%2520Grayscale%2520-%25205702.pdf|title=Midtown Tunnel Authority Bill Is Signed by Lehman|date=November 26, 1935|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=10A|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025236/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201935%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201935%20Grayscale%20-%205702.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Mayor [[Fiorello H. La Guardia]] subsequently nominated three prominent businessmen to head the agency.<ref>{{cite web|title=3 Named to Build East River Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 23, 1935|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/23/archives/3-named-to-build-east-river-tunnel-mayor-appoints-at-johnston-wh.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053806/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/06/23/archives/3-named-to-build-east-river-tunnel-mayor-appoints-at-johnston-wh.html|url-status=live}}</ref> La Guardia supported the immediate construction of the tunnel because he believed it would help traffic get from Manhattan to the [[1939 New York World's Fair]] in Queens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tunnel Held Need For World's Fair|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 18, 1935|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/18/archives/tunnel-held-need-for-worlds-fair-la-guardia-urges-completion-of-the.html|access-date=April 17, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053542/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/10/18/archives/tunnel-held-need-for-worlds-fair-la-guardia-urges-completion-of-the.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Queens–Midtown Tunnel Authority applied for a federal loan and grant, worth a combined $58.4 million, from the [[Public Works Administration]] (PWA) that September.<ref>{{cite web|title=$58,365,000 Asked for Queens Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 16, 1935|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/16/archives/58365000-asked-for-queens-tunnel-pwa-loan-is-sought-for-most-of.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053422/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/16/archives/58365000-asked-for-queens-tunnel-pwa-loan-is-sought-for-most-of.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Two months later, the [[Reconstruction Finance Corporation]] (RFC) offered to lend $47.1 million of the tunnel's cost if the PWA granted the remaining $11.3 million balance.<ref name=NYTimes-RFC-offer-1935/> In response to the RFC's offer, PWA chairman [[Harold L. Ickes]] stated that his agency had $32.7 million readily available for the construction of the tunnel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201935%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201935%252003077.pdf|title=Cash Available For Building Of Midtown Link|date=November 26, 1935|work=North Shore Daily Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025130/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201935/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201935%2003077.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The tunnel's projected $58.4 million cost only applied to the {{convert|3790|ft|m|adj=on}} section of the tunnel under the river, as well as the {{convert|1600|ft|m|adj=on}} Queens approach and the {{convert|2400|ft|m|adj=on}} Manhattan approach east of Second Avenue.<ref name=NYTimes-PWA-grant-1936/><ref name="NYTimes-RFC-offer-1935">{{cite web|title=East River Tunnel Gets Offer By RFC|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 8, 1935|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/08/archives/east-river-tunnel-gets-offer-by-rfc-jesse-jones-says-corporation.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419055121/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/11/08/archives/east-river-tunnel-gets-offer-by-rfc-jesse-jones-says-corporation.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Brooklyn spur had been canceled for the time being because it could not be funded independently, while the crosstown highway was to be included in a later project.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201936%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201936%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200701.pdf|title=Brooklyn Spur To Tunnel Out, Says Friedman|date=September 15, 1936|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=8|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025242/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201936%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201936%20Grayscale%20-%200701.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Civic groups continued to advocate for the canceled Brooklyn spur even after construction started.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2520-%25208288.pdf|title=Club Seeks Brooklyn Spur To Queens–Midtown Tunnel|date=October 26, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025131/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201938%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201938%20Grayscale%20-%208288.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The federal government tentatively allocated $58.3 million for the tunnel's construction in January 1936. The allotment was composed of the RFC loan and PWA grant, and it was expected to be paid off by revenue from tolls and bonds.<ref name="NYTimes-PWA-grant-1936">{{cite web|title=Ickes Allots City $58,365,000 to Build East River Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 3, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/03/archives/ickes-allots-city-58365000-to-build-east-river-tunnel-roosevelt.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053811/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/03/archives/ickes-allots-city-58365000-to-build-east-river-tunnel-roosevelt.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The same month, the New York State Legislature organized the [[New York City Tunnel Authority]] to construct the Queens–Midtown and [[Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Authority Is Set Up To Build 2 Tunnels|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 8, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/08/archives/authority-is-set-up-to-build-2-tunnels-legislature-quickly-passes.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320044116/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/08/archives/authority-is-set-up-to-build-2-tunnels-legislature-quickly-passes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Work on the Queens–Midtown Tunnel could start as soon as the city received the federal funds.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tunnel To Queens To Start In Month|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 5, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/05/archives/tunnel-to-queens-to-start-in-month-authority-announces-work-on.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053803/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/05/archives/tunnel-to-queens-to-start-in-month-authority-announces-work-on.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201936%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201936%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200357.pdf|title=City to Speed Work On East River Tunnel|date=January 12, 1936|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=10A|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025131/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201936%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201936%20Grayscale%20-%200357.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Tunnel Authority accepted the grant in March 1936,<ref>{{cite web|title=Tunnel Authority Accepts PWA Fund|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=March 8, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/08/archives/tunnel-authority-accepts-pwa-fund-federal-loan-and-grant-of.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053332/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/03/08/archives/tunnel-authority-accepts-pwa-fund-federal-loan-and-grant-of.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Queens–Midtown Tunnel became the United States' largest public works project that was not supervised by a federal agency.<ref name=BDE-AirValves-1938/><ref name=NYTimes-ContractLet-1937/><ref name=NYTimes-TunnelOpened-1940/>

In April 1936, Manhattan borough president [[Samuel Levy (politician)|Samuel Levy]] suggested that a six-lane bridge should be built instead, since a bridge would save an estimated $36 million compared to the tunnel.<ref name="NYTimes-BridgeUrged-1936">{{cite web|title=Bridge, Not Tunnel, To Queens Is Urged|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 13, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/13/archives/bridge-not-tunnel-to-queens-is-urged-36000000-saving-seen-by-levy.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053533/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/13/archives/bridge-not-tunnel-to-queens-is-urged-36000000-saving-seen-by-levy.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This plan was endorsed by Brooklyn borough president [[Raymond V. Ingersoll]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Ingersoll Favors East River Bridge|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 19, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/19/archives/ingersoll-favors-east-river-bridge-joins-levy-in-urging-law-change.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120514/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/19/archives/ingersoll-favors-east-river-bridge-joins-levy-in-urging-law-change.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and State Senator [[Thomas C. Desmond]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Desmond Proposes East River Bridge|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 20, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/20/archives/desmond-proposes-east-river-bridge-offers-bill-to-amend-present-law.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053505/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/20/archives/desmond-proposes-east-river-bridge-offers-bill-to-amend-present-law.html|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Robert Moses]], the chairman of the [[Triborough Bridge Authority]] (TBA), also supported a bridge, but for a separate reason: he held a grudge against the Tunnel Authority because he had been rejected from running the authority. Moses's agency would be the only entity who could construct and operate a toll bridge entirely within the New York City limits, and the already-approved federal funding for the tunnel would be canceled if the project was delayed too long.<ref name="Caro">{{Cite Power Broker}}</ref>{{rp|608–609}} New York City Tunnel Authority commissioner [[William Friedman]], Mayor LaGuardia, and the Queens Borough Chamber of Commerce opposed a bridge, since the funding for the tunnel had already been secured.<ref name=NYTimes-BridgeUrged-1936/><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201936%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201936%252001221.pdf|title=PWA Orders Tunnel Work To Go Ahead|date=April 15, 1936|work=North Shore Daily Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025745/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201936/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201936%2001221.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Opens Fight for Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 16, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/16/archives/opens-fight-for-tunnel-queens-chamber-rallies-forces-to-combat.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120448/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/16/archives/opens-fight-for-tunnel-queens-chamber-rallies-forces-to-combat.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In spite of the bridge dispute, the PWA ordered that tunnel planning work proceed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2520-%25200340.pdf|title=PWA Orders Tunnel Work To Go Ahead|date=April 15, 1936|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025633/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936%20-%200340.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> A bill for the proposed bridge was voted down in the New York State Senate that May.<ref>{{cite web|first=W.a.|last=Warn|title=Legislature Ends|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 15, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/15/archives/legislature-ends-a-special-session-is-now-predicted-lehman-may.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053706/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/05/15/archives/legislature-ends-a-special-session-is-now-predicted-lehman-may.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Caro"/>{{rp|609}}

===Construction===
[[File:Queens Midtown Tunnel to LaGuardia Airport.jpg|thumb|View inside the tunnel]]
The Tunnel Authority approved plans for the Queens–Midtown Tunnel in August 1936,<ref>{{cite web|title=Plans Approved for Queens Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=August 7, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/07/archives/plans-approved-for-queens-tube-city-authority-acts-on-61st-set.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120702/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/07/archives/plans-approved-for-queens-tube-city-authority-acts-on-61st-set.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Authority's chief engineer, [[Ole Singstad]], was tasked with the project's design.<ref name="NYT-QMT-Plans-1936">{{cite web|title=City Soon To Begin Tunnel To Queens|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=August 16, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/16/archives/city-soon-to-begin-tunnel-to-queens-58365000-project-will-be.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413183554/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/08/16/archives/city-soon-to-begin-tunnel-to-queens-58365000-project-will-be.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BDE-QMT-Plans-1936">{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201936%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201936%2520%2520a%2520Grayscale%2520-%25202541.pdf|title=Plans for Queens–Midtown Tunnel and How It Will Look|date=August 16, 1936|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=E5|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025749/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201936%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201936%20%20a%20Grayscale%20-%202541.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> By the end of the month, the first bids for the tunnel were advertised.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201936%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201936%252002894.pdf|title=Take First Step in Construction of Motor Tube|date=August 31, 1936|work=North Shore Daily Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025740/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201936/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201936%2002894.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> A groundbreaking ceremony for the tunnel was held on the Queens side on October 1, 1936, with President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] in attendance. Shortly afterward, the New York City Tunnel Authority awarded the first contracts for the tunnel's construction.<ref>{{cite web|title=President Starts East River Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 3, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/03/archives/president-starts-east-river-tunnel-gives-signal-for-first-work-in.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419055123/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/03/archives/president-starts-east-river-tunnel-gives-signal-for-first-work-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2520-%25205690.pdf|title=Midtown Tube Is Dedicated By President|date=October 3, 1936|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030149/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936%20-%205690.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=LICSJ-FDRVisits-1940/> Test bores for the tubes were started later that month.<ref>{{cite web|title=Test Boring Ordered For East River Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 17, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/17/archives/test-boring-ordered-for-east-river-tube-engineers-will-probe-bottom.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053633/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/10/17/archives/test-boring-ordered-for-east-river-tube-engineers-will-probe-bottom.html|url-status=live}}</ref> These exploratory bores utilized diamond-tipped drills operated from [[scow|flat-bottomed boats]], which drilled downward into the riverbed.<ref>{{cite web|title=Diamond Set Bit Used In New Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 23, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/05/23/archives/diamond-set-bit-used-in-new-tube-gems-valued-at-thousands-of.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053812/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/05/23/archives/diamond-set-bit-used-in-new-tube-gems-valued-at-thousands-of.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Salazar 2015"/>

After the test bores were completed in November 1936, engineers determined that there were many geological and manmade obstacles to constructing the tunnel. First, the Queens–Midtown Tunnel's path passed through a large concentration of solid rock, although there were also some pockets of dirt under the river that would be easy to dig through. Additionally, [[sandhog]]s digging the Queens–Midtown Tunnel would have to avoid accidental damage to the East River railroad tunnels to the south and the [[Steinway Tunnel]] to the north. Of the four shafts that were being constructed for the tunnel, only the Queens construction shaft had been completed.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201936%2520-%25206626.pdf|title=New Auto Tunnel Is Engineering 'Headache'|date=November 22, 1936|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=16|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030139/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201936%20-%206626.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Queens Tube Tests Reveal Hard Task|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 27, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/27/archives/queens-tube-tests-reveal-hard-task-borings-however-indicate-no.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120710/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/11/27/archives/queens-tube-tests-reveal-hard-task-borings-however-indicate-no.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The next month, the Tunnel Authority had accepted a bid for the Midtown ventilation shaft, and it had been authorized to begin the shaft's construction immediately.<ref>{{cite web|title=East River Tunnel Is Speeded By City|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 25, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/25/archives/east-river-tunnel-is-speeded-by-city-contract-for-ventilating-shaft.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053713/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/25/archives/east-river-tunnel-is-speeded-by-city-contract-for-ventilating-shaft.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction on the Manhattan ventilation shaft began with a ceremony on December 31, 1936,<ref>{{cite web|title=Ground Is Broken For Tunnel Work|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 1, 1936|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/01/archives/ground-is-broken-for-tunnel-work-authority-head-swings-a-pick-in.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053641/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/01/archives/ground-is-broken-for-tunnel-work-authority-head-swings-a-pick-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and four months later, the city bought the entire city block surrounding the shaft was located.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gets Land for Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 13, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/13/archives/gets-land-for-tunnel-city-pays-1230000-for-block-on-the-east-river.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053522/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/13/archives/gets-land-for-tunnel-city-pays-1230000-for-block-on-the-east-river.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first $500,000 allocation of PWA funding was released in January 1937.<ref>{{cite web|title=PWA Gives $500,000 to Tunnel Board|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 10, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/10/archives/pwa-gives-500000-to-tunnel-board-makes-initial-payment-on-47138000.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053523/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/01/10/archives/pwa-gives-500000-to-tunnel-board-makes-initial-payment-on-47138000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A {{convert|40|ft|m|adj=mid|-deep}} layer of clay was placed at the bottom of the East River, atop the tunnel's path, to prevent air leakages and to maintain air pressure within the tubes.<ref>{{cite web|title='Blanket' in River to Protect Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 13, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/13/archives/-blanket-in-river-to-protect-tunnel-40foot-thickness-of-clay-to.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120455/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/13/archives/-blanket-in-river-to-protect-tunnel-40foot-thickness-of-clay-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This "blanket" contained about {{convert|250,000|yd3|m3}} of clay.<ref name=NYTimes-SandhogsAdvance-1938/> This was the first time a clay blanket was used on an underwater tunnel project, so digging work was delayed for four months to allow the clay layer to be placed. Officials feared that the tunnel might not open before the end of 1940, as was originally planned.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Delay Faces Tunnel To Queens|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 1, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/05/01/archives/new-delay-faces-tunnel-to-queens-col-copp-tells-of-four-months.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419120541/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/05/01/archives/new-delay-faces-tunnel-to-queens-col-copp-tells-of-four-months.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A contract for digging the tubes themselves was awarded in June 1937.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2520-%25206267.pdf|title=Queens Tunnel Contract Let To Walsh Firm|date=July 1, 1937|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=5|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030140/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale%20-%206267.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes-ContractLet-1937">{{cite web|title=Contract is Let for Queens Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 1, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/01/archives/contract-is-let-for-queens-tube-walsh-company-will-build-the.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053807/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/07/01/archives/contract-is-let-for-queens-tube-walsh-company-will-build-the.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The project employed as many as 2,500 sandhogs at a time. Because the work site had such a high air pressure, each man worked two 30-minute shifts per day, punctuated by a 6-hour break in a depressurized chamber so that they would not get [[decompression sickness]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2520-%25203806.pdf|title=Getting Down to Big Business on the New $58,000,000 Queens–Midtown Tunnel|date=April 18, 1937|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=A7|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030139/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale%20-%203806.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Modern Devices to Guard Sandhog|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 18, 1937|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/18/archives/modern-devices-to-guard-sandhog-elaborate-precautions-made-to-ward.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053731/https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/18/archives/modern-devices-to-guard-sandhog-elaborate-precautions-made-to-ward.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On the Queens side, it was proposed to link the tunnel to what is now I-495.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201937%2FFlushing%2520NY%2520North%2520Shore%2520%2520Daily%2520Journal%25201937%252004100.pdf|title=Highway Link To New Tunnel|date=December 30, 1937|work=North Shore Daily Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030144/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201937/Flushing%20NY%20North%20Shore%20%20Daily%20Journal%201937%2004100.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Eventually, officials agreed to construct the {{convert|2.5|mi|km|adj=on}} link to what is now the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, forming part of a longer highway that connected directly to [[LaGuardia Airport]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Funds Authorized for Airport Link|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 18, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/18/archives/funds-authorized-for-airport-link-board-votes-120000-to-start-work.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012247/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/10/18/archives/funds-authorized-for-airport-link-board-votes-120000-to-start-work.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The status of a corresponding limited-access expressway on the Manhattan side, connecting to the Lincoln Tunnel, was still undecided.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2520-%25206267.pdf|title=Chamber Hits Authorities for Lack of Tunnel|date=March 29, 1937|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=18|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030140/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale%20-%206267.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Manhattan entrance and exit ramps eliminated the [[St. Gabriel Church (Manhattan)|St. Gabriel Church]], which was later replaced by construction of the [[Our Saviour Roman Catholic Church (Manhattan)|Church of Our Saviour]] on [[Park Avenue]].<ref>{{cite web|title=New St. Gabriel Site Acquired by Catholics|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 16, 1953|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/16/archives/new-st-gabriel-site-acquired-by-catholics.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420073756/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/16/archives/new-st-gabriel-site-acquired-by-catholics.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By early 1938, costs were rising quickly, and only 65% of the contracts had been awarded. Tunnel Authority Commissioner Friedman stated that if costs were to keep increasing at the same rate, construction might have to be abandoned midway through.<ref>{{cite web|title=Labor Costs Seen As Bar To Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 23, 1938|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/01/23/archives/labor-costs-seen-as-bar-to-tunnel-cessation-of-work-on-tube-to.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420073854/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/01/23/archives/labor-costs-seen-as-bar-to-tunnel-cessation-of-work-on-tube-to.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By September 1938, three-fourths of the tunnel's contracts had been awarded.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2520-%25206898.pdf|title=Most Contracts Let For Midtown Tube|date=August 25, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=12|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030141/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201938%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201938%20Grayscale%20-%206898.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

Work on the underwater section of the tubes started in April 1938.<ref name=NYTimes-AirValves-1938/><ref name=BDE-AirValves-1938/> Underwater boring was supposed to have started earlier but the geology of the underwater section had delayed construction.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200135.pdf|title=Under River Tube Boring Starts Feb. 1|date=January 6, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=5|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030148/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201938%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201938%20Grayscale%20-%200135.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> When the underwater digging started, La Guardia opened the valves that allowed [[compressed air]] to flow into the tubes, and workers started digging the tunnels under the river from each end.<ref name="NYTimes-AirValves-1938">{{cite web|title=Mayor Visits Tube In Sandhog's Togs|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 12, 1938|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/04/12/archives/mayor-visits-tube-in-sandhogs-togs-descends-100-feet-in-queens.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010430/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/04/12/archives/mayor-visits-tube-in-sandhogs-togs-descends-100-feet-in-queens.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BDE-AirValves-1938">{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2520-%25202965.pdf|title=Mayor to Open Air Valves for Work in Tunnel|date=April 10, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=A7|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> The pressurized air allowed sandhogs to work as much as six hours per day in two 3-hour shifts, but as they tunneled nearer to the center of the river, the pressure increased and sandhogs worked fewer hours per day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201938%2520Grayscale%2520-%25202965.pdf|title=Harvey and Isaacs Clash Over Midtown Tunnel|date=December 9, 1938|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=19|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> Builders also pumped air along the top of the tunnel to prevent water from seeping in.<ref name=NYTimes-SandhogsAdvance-1938/> Later, workers began wearing oxygen masks connected to a portable machine that gave out pure oxygen.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FBuffalo%2520NY%2520Courier%2520Express%2FBuffalo%2520NY%2520Courier%2520Express%25201939%2FBuffalo%2520NY%2520Courier%2520Express%25201939%2520-%25201548.pdf|last=Associated Press|title=New Oxygen Equipment|date=March 17, 1939|work=Buffalo Courier Express|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> Despite the precautions taken to avoid sudden depressurization of the tubes, about 300 cases of decompression sickness were recorded during the construction process.<ref name="Salazar 2015"/>

The project was about 25% completed by September 1938.<ref>{{cite web|title=Queens–Midtown Tunnel Is One-Quarter Finished|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 19, 1938|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/19/archives/queensmidtown-tunnel-is-onequarter-finished.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012338/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/09/19/archives/queensmidtown-tunnel-is-onequarter-finished.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Workers primarily dug underwater using [[tunnelling shield]]s that drilled inward from both portals of each tube, but used dynamite to blast through thick sheets of rock. Afterward, steel rings, each composed of 14 sections which individually weighed up to {{convert|3,500|lb|kg}}, were laid within the tunnel.<ref name="NYTimes-SandhogsAdvance-1938">{{cite web|title=Sandhogs Advance East River Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 2, 1938|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/02/archives/sandhogs-advance-east-river-tunnel-progress-of-work-marked-by-two.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040245/https://www.nytimes.com/1938/10/02/archives/sandhogs-advance-east-river-tunnel-progress-of-work-marked-by-two.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Salazar 2015"/> In March 1939, the PWA released a report predicting that the tunnel would not be complete until summer 1941, eight months later than originally planned, due to geological difficulties.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201939%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201939%2520Grayscale%2520-%25202070.pdf|title=Midtown Tunnel Behind Schedule|date=March 10, 1939|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=10|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030757/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201939%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201939%20Grayscale%20-%202070.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Around the same time, Robert Moses alleged that the Queens–Midtown Tunnel would not be profitable, during an unrelated argument about the feasibility of building the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/08/archives/moses-takes-fling-at-queens-tunnel-predicts-financial-straits-for.html|title=Moses Takes Fling At Queens Tunnel|date=February 8, 1939|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=March 20, 2018|archive-date=March 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320231025/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/02/08/archives/moses-takes-fling-at-queens-tunnel-predicts-financial-straits-for.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This prompted the New York State Legislature to conduct an investigation into the Queens–Midtown Tunnel's costs.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252011%2FNew%2520York%2520Evening%2520Post%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Evening%2520Post%25201939%2520Grayscale%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Evening%2520Post%25201939%2520Grayscale%2520-%25200881.pdf|title=Grade-Crossing Bill Ready for Senate Passage|date=February 14, 1939|work=New York Post|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124030646/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2011/New%20York%20Evening%20Post/New%20York%20NY%20Evening%20Post%201939%20Grayscale/New%20York%20NY%20Evening%20Post%201939%20Grayscale%20-%200881.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Moses's allegation also originated from his resentment toward the Tunnel Authority.<ref name="Caro"/>{{rp|698}}

Work proceeded quickly afterward, and the tunnel was 60% complete by May 1939.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tubes 60% Completed|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 7, 1939|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/07/archives/tubes-60-completed-progress-on-queens-tunnel-is-reported-by.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010501/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/05/07/archives/tubes-60-completed-progress-on-queens-tunnel-is-reported-by.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Construction was briefly halted in July when sandhogs went on strike for two weeks due to a disagreement between two unions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Strike On Tunnel And Aqueduct Ends|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 19, 1939|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/19/archives/strike-on-tunnel-and-aqueduct-ends-arbitration-agreement-to-send.html|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010355/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/19/archives/strike-on-tunnel-and-aqueduct-ends-arbitration-agreement-to-send.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By that time, the two segments of the tubes were only separated by {{convert|850|ft|m}}. Workers digging from the Manhattan side no longer required compressed air because the tubes had reached a rock cropping.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tunnel To Queens Has 850 Feet To Go|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 31, 1939|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/31/archives/tunnel-to-queens-has-850-feet-to-go-sandhogs-expected-to-hole.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420073826/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/07/31/archives/tunnel-to-queens-has-850-feet-to-go-sandhogs-expected-to-hole.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201939%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201939%2520Grayscale%2520-%25206458.pdf|title=Tunnel to Queens 70 Percent Bored|date=July 31, 1939|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031147/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201939%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201939%20Grayscale%20-%206458.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The sandhogs sped up their pace of digging,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201939%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201939%2520Grayscale%2520-%25207547.pdf|title=New Record Set On Midtown Tube|date=September 10, 1939|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=A3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040251/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201939%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201939%20Grayscale%20-%207547.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and by late September, the project was 45 days ahead of schedule.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Queens Tubes 'Hole Through' Soon|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 28, 1939|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/09/28/archives/new-queens-tubes-hole-through-soon-midtown-tunnel-likely-to-be.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012319/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/09/28/archives/new-queens-tubes-hole-through-soon-midtown-tunnel-likely-to-be.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The disjointed segments of both tubes were connected with a "holing through" ceremony in November 1939, with a margin of error of less than {{convert|0.5|in|mm}}.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201937%2520Grayscale%2520-%25204469.pdf|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel Advances Another Step|date=November 6, 1939|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124040257/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%205/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale/Brooklyn%20NY%20Daily%20Eagle%201937%20Grayscale%20-%204469.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Tunnel 'Holed Through' In Almost Perfect Line|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 12, 1939|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/12/archives/tunnel-holed-through-in-almost-perfect-line.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010528/https://www.nytimes.com/1939/11/12/archives/tunnel-holed-through-in-almost-perfect-line.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In January 1940, another construction milestone was reached when the last of 1,622 metal rings were installed in the tubes.<ref>{{cite web|title=1,622 Iron Rings Installed In New Midtown Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 8, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/08/archives/1622-iron-rings-installed-in-new-midtown-tunnel.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010441/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/08/archives/1622-iron-rings-installed-in-new-midtown-tunnel.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The fans were being installed in the ventilation buildings,<ref name="NYTimes-NewVents-1940">{{cite web|title=New Tube Getting Ventilation Units|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=February 13, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/13/archives/new-tube-getting-ventilation-units-two-100foot-buildings-for-tunnel.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010459/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/02/13/archives/new-tube-getting-ventilation-units-two-100foot-buildings-for-tunnel.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and property at the Queens portal was being demolished to make way for the tunnel approaches.<ref>{{cite web|title=Raze Queens Buildings|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 16, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/16/archives/raze-queens-buildings-contractors-preparing-site-for-new-tunnel.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010529/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/01/16/archives/raze-queens-buildings-contractors-preparing-site-for-new-tunnel.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By May 1940, only three contracts remained to be awarded, and the tunnel was 90% complete.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Tunnel 90% Finished|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=May 16, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/16/archives/new-tunnel-90-finished-only-3-more-contracts-to-be-let-for-queens.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010800/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/05/16/archives/new-tunnel-90-finished-only-3-more-contracts-to-be-let-for-queens.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Opening and early years===
[[File:At New York, USA 2017 054.jpg|thumb|The exit ramp in Manhattan]]
The Queens–Midtown Tunnel finished on schedule in late 1940.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201940%2FJamaica%2520NY%2520Long%2520Island%2520Daily%2520Press%25201940%2520-%25204386.pdf|title=Queens–Midtown Tunnel Will Be Ready on Time|date=October 5, 1940|work=Long Island Daily Press|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031308/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201940/Jamaica%20NY%20Long%20Island%20Daily%20Press%201940%20-%204386.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> President [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]] was the first person to drive through the tunnel, on October 28, 1940.<ref>{{cite web|title=President the 'First' to Use Midtown Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 9, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/09/archives/president-the-first-to-use-midtown-tube-precedence-at-opening.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=June 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603104447/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/09/archives/president-the-first-to-use-midtown-tube-precedence-at-opening.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LICSJ-FDRVisits-1940">{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201940%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201940%2520-%25205438.pdf|title=Whole Job Sandwiched Between Visits By F. D. R.|date=December 21, 1940|work=Long Island City Star Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031650/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201940/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201940%20-%205438.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The general public could not use it until mid-November.<ref>{{cite web|last=Markland|first=John|title=Queens Midtown Tube to Open|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 10, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/10/archives/queens-midtown-tube-to-open-vehicular-tunnel-ready-for-public-on.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010735/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/10/archives/queens-midtown-tube-to-open-vehicular-tunnel-ready-for-public-on.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An advertisement for the tunnel, published in newspapers just before its opening, touted it as "the toll that isn't a toll" with the slogan "Cross In 3 Minutes, Save In 3 Ways ... Time! Money! Gas!"<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201940%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201940%2520Grayscale%2520-%25209203.pdf|title=Queens–Midtown Tunnel, The All-Weather Route, Opens Friday, Nov 15th|date=November 7, 1940|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=7|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> The Queens Chamber of Commerce's president praised the Queens–Midtown Tunnel as something that would spur development in Queens.<ref>{{cite web|title=Midtown Tunnel Will Enhance New Home Building in Queens|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 17, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/17/archives/midtown-tunnel-will-enhance-new-home-building-in-queens-arterial.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420013906/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/17/archives/midtown-tunnel-will-enhance-new-home-building-in-queens-arterial.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The tunnel was opened to the general public on November 15, 1940, at a ceremony on the Queens side. The attendees included the Queens and Manhattan borough presidents; U.S. Senator [[Robert F. Wagner]]; and [[New York City Council]] president [[Newbold Morris]], who was attending in La Guardia's stead.<ref name="NYTimes-TunnelOpened-1940">{{cite news|title=$58,000,000 Tunnel to Queens Opened|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/16/archives/58000000-tunnel-to-queens-opened-3000-at-ceremony-opening-of-queens.html|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 16, 1940|page=1|access-date=October 11, 2009|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010547/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/16/archives/58000000-tunnel-to-queens-opened-3000-at-ceremony-opening-of-queens.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=$58,000,000 Tunnel to Queens Opened|date=November 15, 1940|work=Brooklyn Daily Eagle|pages=[http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201940%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201940%2520Grayscale%2520-%25209295.pdf 1], [http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%25205%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201940%2520Grayscale%2FBrooklyn%2520NY%2520Daily%2520Eagle%25201940%2520Grayscale%2520-%25209298.pdf 4]|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> The tubes were fitted with a then-new lighting technology that allowed drivers to more quickly adjust to the sunlight upon leaving the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|last=Harrington|first=John W.|title=Novel Lighting For New Tunnel Adjustable To Ease Eye Strain|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 8, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/08/archives/novel-lighting-for-new-tunnel-ajustable-to-ease-eye-strain.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012326/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/08/archives/novel-lighting-for-new-tunnel-ajustable-to-ease-eye-strain.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One hundred and fifty workers were hired and trained to operate the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|title=150 Tunnel Guards Will Be Graduated|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 12, 1940|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/12/archives/150-tunnel-guards-will-be-graduated-ceremony-today-to-be-followed.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010749/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/12/archives/150-tunnel-guards-will-be-graduated-ceremony-today-to-be-followed.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The first paying customer was Henry Sokovit of Queens.<ref> New York Post, November 15, 1940, p. 13. </ref>

In a report published in August 1939, the New York City Tunnel Authority had estimated that the tunnel would carry 10 million vehicles in its first year and would reach its 16-million annual-vehicle capacity by 1952.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201939%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201939%2520-%25200178.pdf|title=Midtown Tunnel May Be Opened To Traffic In Fifteen Months|date=August 14, 1939|work=Long Island Star-Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031651/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201939/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201939%20-%200178.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Against expectation, traffic counts in the first few months were lower than expected because motorists could use the East River bridges to the north and south for free.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201941%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201941%2520-%25203228.pdf|title=Queens Tunnel Traffic Lags|date=May 9, 1941|work=New York Sun|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=21|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><!--Due to [[World War II]], [[New York Guard]] members were exempted from paying the toll on the Queens–Midtown Tunnel.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FSaratoga%2520Springs%2520NY%2520Saratogian%2FSaratoga%2520Springs%2520NY%2520Saratogian%25201941%2FSaratoga%2520Springs%2520NY%2520Saratogian%25201941%2520-%25200851.pdf|title=Free Tunnel Passage Granted N. Y. Guard Cars|last=Associated Press|date=March 26, 1941|work=The Saratogian|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=12|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref>--> The tunnel had carried one million vehicles by February 1941, three months after opening.<ref>{{cite web|title=Millionth Car Uses Queens Tube But the Big Mystery Is When|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=February 15, 1941|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/15/archives/millionth-car-uses-queens-tube-but-the-big-mystery-is-when.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010651/https://www.nytimes.com/1941/02/15/archives/millionth-car-uses-queens-tube-but-the-big-mystery-is-when.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was further exacerbated by the gasoline rationing during [[World War II]], which caused vehicular trips in general to decline.<ref>{{cite web|title=Motoring Here Cut 29% By Rationing|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=August 4, 1942|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/04/archives/motoring-here-cut-29-by-rationing-decline-reported-for-july-by-2.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012342/https://www.nytimes.com/1942/08/04/archives/motoring-here-cut-29-by-rationing-decline-reported-for-july-by-2.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The tunnel was closed during the nighttime beginning in February 1943, but due to growing nighttime traffic demand, 24-hour operation resumed in July 1944.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FSmithtown%2520NY%2520Port%2520Jefferson%2520Messenger%2FSmithtown%2520NY%2520Port%2520Jefferson%2520Messenger%25201944%2FSmithtown%2520NY%2520Port%2520Jefferson%2520Messenger%25201944%252000166_2.pdf|title=Tunnel Open 24 Hours|date=July 7, 1944|work=Port Jefferson Messenger|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=3|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124032301/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Smithtown%20NY%20Port%20Jefferson%20Messenger/Smithtown%20NY%20Port%20Jefferson%20Messenger%201944/Smithtown%20NY%20Port%20Jefferson%20Messenger%201944%2000166_2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>  By 1946, the tunnel was running a $5.8 million deficit.<ref>{{cite web|title=$5,787,068 Deficit for Midtown Tube|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 25, 1946|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/25/archives/5787068-deficit-for-midtown-tube-inadequate-financing-and-an.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420073728/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/01/25/archives/5787068-deficit-for-midtown-tube-inadequate-financing-and-an.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, the successor to the New York City Tunnel Authority, recorded a 72% increase in tunnel traffic in the first half of that year compared to the same time frame in 1945.<ref>{{cite web|title=72% Traffic Rise in Midtown Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 31, 1946|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1946/07/31/archives/72-traffic-rise-in-midtown-tunnel-triborough-authority-reports.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010804/https://www.nytimes.com/1946/07/31/archives/72-traffic-rise-in-midtown-tunnel-triborough-authority-reports.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The tunnel recorded its first profits in 1949, with a net earning of $659,505.<ref>{{cite web|title=First Profit Shown By Queens Tunnel|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 31, 1949|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/31/archives/first-profit-shown-by-queens-tunnel-tube-opened-in-1940-finally.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012315/https://www.nytimes.com/1949/01/31/archives/first-profit-shown-by-queens-tunnel-tube-opened-in-1940-finally.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520b%2520-%25200926.pdf|title=Queens Tunnel Shows Profit|date=January 31, 1949|work=Long Island City Star Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124032302/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949%20b%20-%200926.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Caro"/>{{rp|698}} As part of an experiment to alleviate traffic congestion, in December 1955, one of the eastbound tube's lanes began carrying westbound traffic during morning rush hours.<ref>{{Cite news|date=1955-12-08|title=Queens Tube to Provide 3 Lanes To Manhattan in Morning Rush|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1955/12/08/archives/queens-tube-to-provide-3-lanes-to-manhattan-in-morning-rush.html|access-date=2022-11-02|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102230600/https://www.nytimes.com/1955/12/08/archives/queens-tube-to-provide-3-lanes-to-manhattan-in-morning-rush.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1950, the TBTA and several airlines agreed to build the [[East Side Airline Terminal]] at First Avenue between 37th and 38th Streets, on the Manhattan side of the tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ingraham|first=Joseph C.|title=Aviation Terminal To Cost $4,000,000 Set For First Ave.|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=August 14, 1950|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/08/14/archives/aviation-terminal-to-cost-4000000-set-for-first-ave-triborough.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010432/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/08/14/archives/aviation-terminal-to-cost-4000000-set-for-first-ave-triborough.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNyack%2520NY%2520Journal%2520News%2FNyack%2520NY%2520Journal%2520News%25201950%2FNyack%2520NY%2520Journal%2520News%25201950%2520d%252000975_1.pdf|last=[[International News Service]]|title=Airlines Plan for Bus Terminal to End Congestion|date=August 14, 1950|work=The Journal News|location=Nyack, NY|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124032200/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Nyack%20NY%20Journal%20News/Nyack%20NY%20Journal%20News%201950/Nyack%20NY%20Journal%20News%201950%20d%2000975_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> When the terminal opened in 1953, it accommodated bus routes that ran to either LaGuardia or [[John F. Kennedy International Airport]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=New Airlines Center Set For Dedication|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=November 28, 1953|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/28/archives/new-airlines-center-set-for-dedication.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012328/https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/28/archives/new-airlines-center-set-for-dedication.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The terminal operated until 1984, and it was sold in 1985.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berger|first=Joseph|title=Airlines Terminal On East Side Sold For $90.6 Million|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=February 14, 1985|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/14/nyregion/airlines-terminal-on-east-side-sold-for-90.6-million.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420010344/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/02/14/nyregion/airlines-terminal-on-east-side-sold-for-90.6-million.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This site is now occupied by [[The Corinthian (Manhattan)|The Corinthian]], an apartment complex.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bagli|first=Charles V.|title=Developers Find Newest Frontier on the East Side|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=August 21, 2005|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/21/nyregion/developers-find-newest-frontier-on-the-east-side.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424235142/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/21/nyregion/developers-find-newest-frontier-on-the-east-side.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Mid-Manhattan Expressway and third tube plan===
A connector between the Queens–Midtown and Lincoln Tunnels was again proposed in 1950, but was dropped for lack of support.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bennett|first=Charles G.|title=Triborough Drops Midtown Crossing|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=June 20, 1950|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1950/06/20/archives/triborough-drops-midtown-crossing-authority-once-ready-to-build.html|access-date=April 19, 2018|archive-date=April 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180420012338/https://www.nytimes.com/1950/06/20/archives/triborough-drops-midtown-crossing-authority-once-ready-to-build.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Nine years later, Robert Moses proposed adding a third tube to the Queens–Midtown Tunnel to relieve congestion,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2520-%25204744.pdf|title=Moses Seeks 3rd Tube For Midtown Tunnel|date=May 19, 1959|work=Long Island City Star Journal|access-date=April 18, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031401/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959%20-%204744.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> with a possible extension to Brooklyn.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2520-%25204744.pdf|title=Third-Tube Survey For Queens–Midtown|date=April 20, 1962|work=Greenpoint Weekly Star|access-date=April 21, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031401/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201959%20-%204744.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The tube would be located to the south of the two existing tubes.<ref name="Ingraham 1965"/> In January 1965, Moses announced that money had been allocated to a feasibility study for the third tube, which was projected to cost $120 million. This proposal was part of his plan to build a Mid-Manhattan expressway over 30th Street.<ref name="Ingraham 1965">{{cite web|last=Ingraham|first=Joseph C.|title=Third Tube for Midtown Tunnel Advanced by Plan for New Study|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=January 1, 1965|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/01/archives/third-tube-for-midtown-tunnel-advanced-by-plan-for-new-study.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422063938/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/01/archives/third-tube-for-midtown-tunnel-advanced-by-plan-for-new-study.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>For the study itself, see:
*{{cite book|author=Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel: Third Tube|year=1965|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tOg7swEACAAJ|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031359/https://books.google.com/books?id=tOg7swEACAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> The third tube was to connect to the ultimately unbuilt [[Bushwick Expressway]], which would have run across northeastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens before intersecting with the present-day [[Nassau Expressway]].<ref name="RPA-ExpresswayPlans-1964">{{cite journal|title=Expressway Plans|journal=[[Regional Plan Association|Regional Plan News]]|date=May 1964|issue=73–74|pages=1–18|url=https://archive.org/details/regionalplannews7374regi|access-date=February 27, 2017|publisher=[[Regional Plan Association]]}}</ref><ref name="BklynWorld-Bushwick-1963">{{cite news|last1=Kessler|first1=Felix|title=Dream Road Links Nothing|url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun%201963/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun%201963%20-%200899.pdf#xml=http://fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=7e6d12af&DocId=124426&Index=Z%3a%5cDISK%20X&HitCount=6&hits=ad5+ad6+bea+beb+cda+cdb+&SearchForm=%2fFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf|access-date=February 27, 2017|work=Brooklyn World-Telegram|agency=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|date=June 18, 1963|page=B1|archive-date=November 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103132917/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun%201963/New%20York%20NY%20The%20World%20Telegram%20and%20Sun%201963%20-%200899.pdf#xml=http://fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=7e6d12af&DocId=124426&Index=Z%3a%5cDISK%20X&HitCount=6&hits=ad5+ad6+bea+beb+cda+cdb+&SearchForm=%2fFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201959%2520-%25204744.pdf|title=Barnes Report Cites Need For Cross-Bklyn X-Way|date=September 24, 1965|work=Brooklyn Home-Reporter|access-date=April 21, 2018|pages=8|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref>

In December 1965, Moses canceled his plans for the Mid-Manhattan Expressway due to opposition from the city government. He affirmed that the TBTA would construct a third tube for the Queens–Midtown Tunnel because it did not require the city's approval, and he stated that the new tube could be completed four-and-a-half years after construction started. According to Moses, after the third tube was completed, two tubes would be dedicated exclusively to westbound and eastbound traffic, while the center tube would become a [[reversible lane|reversible-flow]] roadway.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ingraham|first=Joseph C.|title=3d Midtown Tube to Start Soon, Moses Says, Shelving Road Plan|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=December 29, 1965|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/29/archives/3d-midtown-tube-to-start-soon-moses-says-shelving-road-plan-midtown.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=July 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705184502/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/29/archives/3d-midtown-tube-to-start-soon-moses-says-shelving-road-plan-midtown.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Queens Chamber of Commerce supported the third-tube project,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%25201966%2FRidgewood%2520NY%2520Times%25201966%252000464_1.pdf|title=Queens Chamber Endorses Third Midtown Tube|date=January 6, 1966|work=Ridgewood Times|access-date=April 21, 2018|pages=5|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031500/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/Ridgewood%20NY%20Times/Ridgewood%20NY%20Times%201966/Ridgewood%20NY%20Times%201966%2000464_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> but citywide officials opposed it. Moses ignored the city's disapproval and, in March 1966, advertised for bids to make test borings for the third tube.<ref>{{cite web|last=Knowles|first=Clayton|title=Moses, Defying City, Asks Bids on New Tube Borings|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=March 22, 1966|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/22/archives/moses-defying-city-asks-bids-on-new-tube-borings-authority-asks.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422065616/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/03/22/archives/moses-defying-city-asks-bids-on-new-tube-borings-authority-asks.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201966%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201966%2520-%25202644.pdf|title=Moses On 3rd Tube: 'Dig We Will'|date=March 22, 1966|work=Long Island Star-Journal|access-date=April 16, 2018|pages=1|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031503/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201966/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201966%20-%202644.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The TBTA continued studying the feasibility of a third tube through 1967, but ultimately, a third tube was never built.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspapers%252021%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201967-1968%2FRockaway%2520Beach%2520NY%2520%2520Wave%2520Of%2520Long%2520Island%2520%25201967-1968%2520-%25200631.pdf|title=Traffic Over BayDrops During 1967|date=February 29, 1968|work=Rockaway Wave|access-date=April 21, 2018|pages=2|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124031517/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspapers%2021/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201967-1968/Rockaway%20Beach%20NY%20%20Wave%20Of%20Long%20Island%20%201967-1968%20-%200631.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Later years===
In 1971, one lane of the Queens–Midtown Tunnel's eastbound tube was converted to a westbound high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) and bus lane during the morning rush hour. The reversible tunnel lane was fed by a HOV/bus lane along I-495, which started {{convert|2|mi|km}} east of the tunnel's Queens portal.<ref name=p916078815>{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|916078815}} |title=Buses Get Express Lane to City |last=Sullivan |first= James W. |date=26 Oct 1971 |page=26 |work=Newsday}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Carmody|first=Deirdre|title=Special Rush-Hour Bus Lane Makes Expressway a Breeze|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=October 27, 1971|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/27/archives/special-rushhour-bus-lane-makes-expressway-a-breeze.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=July 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730111405/http://www.nytimes.com/1971/10/27/archives/special-rushhour-bus-lane-makes-expressway-a-breeze.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Each spring from 1981 to 2016, the tunnel was closed to traffic for a few hours overnight to accommodate the annual "[[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus]] Animal Walk". Several nights before the circus opened at [[Madison Square Garden]], the elephants marched into Manhattan and down 34th Street to the arena.<ref>{{cite press release|publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels|date=March 14, 2008|title=Elephant Promenade through Queens Midtown Tunnel|url=http://mta.info/mta/news/releases/?agency=bandt&en=080314-BT|access-date=February 21, 2010|archive-date=December 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218015832/http://www.mta.info/mta/news/releases/?agency=bandt&en=080314-BT|url-status=live}}</ref> The animals had formerly been transported into the city via the [[West Side Line|West Side railroad line]] in Manhattan, but the southernmost part of that line, the [[High Line]] viaduct, was closed in 1981 during construction of the [[Javits Center]]. The first "Animal Walk" through the Queens–Midtown Tunnel memorialized a similar event ten years earlier, when the animals had walked to Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel due to a railroad strike.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252024%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Amsterdam%2520News%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Amsterdam%2520News%25201981%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Amsterdam%2520News%25201981%252000556_1.pdf|title=Circus predawn march|date=March 28, 1981|work=N.Y. Amsterdam News|access-date=April 21, 2018|pages=68|via=[[Fultonhistory.com]]|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124024615/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/New%20York%20NY%20Amsterdam%20News/New%20York%20NY%20Amsterdam%20News%201981/New%20York%20NY%20Amsterdam%20News%201981%2000556_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The walk became an annual tradition, and crowds of several hundred people would gather at the Queens–Midtown Tunnel's Queens portal to see the march in the middle of the night.<ref>{{cite web|last=Allen|first=Mike|title=These Days, the Circus Animals Sneak Into Town|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=February 19, 1995|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/19/us/these-days-the-circus-animals-sneak-into-town.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422064614/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/02/19/us/these-days-the-circus-animals-sneak-into-town.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Even so, the march was controversial and attracted protests from organizations who opposed what they saw as the inhumane treatment of the circus animals.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Manhattan of Beasts|first=Dan|last=Barry|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/22/nyregion/the-manhattan-of-beasts.html|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=March 22, 2006|access-date=February 21, 2010|archive-date=July 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722101908/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/22/nyregion/the-manhattan-of-beasts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> When the circus stopped using elephants in 2016, the elephant walk ceased.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey To End Elephant Acts This May|website=CBS New York|date=January 11, 2016|url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/01/11/ringling-brothers-circus-elephants/|access-date=April 18, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419053207/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/01/11/ringling-brothers-circus-elephants/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ringling Bros. Elephants Are Taking Early Retirement to Florida|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|last=Hauser|first=Christine|date=January 12, 2016|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/us/ringling-circus-elephants-take-early-retirement-to-florida.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419024003/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/12/us/ringling-circus-elephants-take-early-retirement-to-florida.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Under an agreement with [[Verizon Wireless]], the Queens–Midtown Tunnel received [[cellular network|cellular service]] in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Chan|first=Sewell|date=2005-08-25|title=Race Is on for Cellular System for the Subway|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/nyregion/race-is-on-for-cellularsystem-for-the-subway.html|access-date=2022-07-12|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712041014/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/nyregion/race-is-on-for-cellularsystem-for-the-subway.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The tubes' roadways were originally paved with bricks, but the road surface was replaced with asphalt in 1995.<ref name="Salazar 2015"/> Two years later, the TBTA's successor, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, announced its intention to renovate the roof of the Queens–Midtown Tunnel.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pierre-Pierre|first=Garry|title=Giuliani Seeks Delay in Midtown Tunnel Repairs|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=July 31, 1997|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/31/nyregion/giuliani-seeks-delay-in-midtown-tunnel-repairs.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422065534/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/07/31/nyregion/giuliani-seeks-delay-in-midtown-tunnel-repairs.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The $132 million project,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/148033347/newsday-nassau-edition-a-long-overhaul/|title=A Long Overhaul|first=Sylvia|last=Adcock|work=Newsday|date=January 3, 1998|access-date=May 25, 2024|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> completed in May 2001, involved replacing the roof with 930 slabs of concrete that were suspended from brackets glued onto the tunnel shell.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sticky Situation|first=Brett|last=Nelson|date=October 29, 2001|website=Forbes|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2001/1029/198.html#25dffc1b4971|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422063732/https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2001/1029/198.html#25dffc1b4971|url-status=live}}</ref> The major contract for the renovation project, worth $97 million, received scrutiny when it was discovered that the contractor had given money to the political party of Governor [[George Pataki]] just before the contract was awarded. A state judge found that the MTA did not break any laws or ethical obligations when it awarded the contract to the Pataki donor instead of another competitor.<ref>{{cite web|last=Levy|first=Clifford J.|title=Judge Rules for M.T.A. on Tunnel Contract Linked to Pataki Donor|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 3, 1998|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/03/nyregion/judge-rules-for-mta-on-tunnel-contract-linked-to-pataki-donor.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422065532/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/03/nyregion/judge-rules-for-mta-on-tunnel-contract-linked-to-pataki-donor.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The MTA started replacing the 23 fans within the tunnel's ventilation structures, in 2004<ref name=NYPost-FanMakeover-2004/> and the fan-replacement project was completed in 2008.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Queens Midtown Tunnel Air System Overhaul|publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels|date=May 14, 2008|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/queens-midtown-tunnel-air-system-overhaul|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422201935/http://www.mta.info/press-release/bridges-tunnels/queens-midtown-tunnel-air-system-overhaul|url-status=dead}}</ref>

For a short time after the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001, all Manhattan-bound traffic through the tunnel was subject to a high-occupancy vehicle restriction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kennedy|first=Randy|title=Ban on Lone Drivers at Some New York Gates|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=September 26, 2001|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/26/nyregion/ban-on-lone-drivers-at-some-new-york-gates.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422065613/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/26/nyregion/ban-on-lone-drivers-at-some-new-york-gates.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This restriction was removed in April 2002.<ref>{{cite web|last=Kennedy|first=Randy|title=Lone Drivers? Some Can Come Into Manhattan|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|date=April 19, 2002|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/19/nyregion/lone-drivers-some-can-come-into-manhattan.html|access-date=April 21, 2018|archive-date=April 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416012918/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/19/nyregion/lone-drivers-some-can-come-into-manhattan.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017–2018, the tiled walls in the Queens–Midtown and Brooklyn–Battery Tunnels were replaced due to damage suffered during [[Hurricane Sandy]] in 2012. The re-tiled white walls have gold-and-blue stripes, representing the official state colors of New York. There was a controversy over the re-tiling of the tunnels, which cost a combined $30 million, because of the [[2017 New York City transit crisis|ongoing transit crisis]] at the time.<ref>{{cite web | title=Cuomo had the MTA waste $30M on tunnel vanity project | website=New York Post | last1=Furfaro | first1=Danielle | last2=Weiss | first2=Lois | last3=Hicks | first3=Nolan | date=2018-07-23 | url=https://nypost.com/2018/07/22/cuomo-had-the-mta-waste-30m-on-tunnel-vanity-project/ | access-date=2018-07-24 | archive-date=July 24, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724061926/https://nypost.com/2018/07/22/cuomo-had-the-mta-waste-30m-on-tunnel-vanity-project/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

On September 4, 2024, a contractor conducting surveys for the [[East River Greenway]] accidentally drilled through the roof of one of the tubes, causing water to leak into the tunnel, and forcing it to be closed for emergency repairs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Simko-Bednarski |first=Evan |last2=Sommerfeldt |first2=Chris |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Queens-Midtown Tunnel shut down due to flooding, causing traffic gridlock |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/09/04/queens-midtown-tunnel-shut-down-flooding-causing-construction-accident-traffic-chaos-gridlock/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=New York Daily News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Intarasuwan |first=Kiki |last2=Shea |first2=Tom |date=September 4, 2024 |title=Water leaks into Queens-Midtown Tunnel due to drilling mistake; traffic snarled after tubes closed |url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/queens-midtown-tunnel-shuts-down-due-to-water-main-break-mta-says/5763314/ |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=NBC New York}}</ref> It was re-opened several hours later, after a temporary plug was put in place.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zanger |first=Jesse |last2=Bauman |first2=Ali |date=2024-09-04 |title=Queens-Midtown Tunnel reopens after contractor drills hole into roof |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/queens-midtown-tunnel-shut-down/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref> Contractors later permanently fixed the leak by fitting a steel cap over that plug.<ref>{{cite news |first=Patrick |last=McGeehan |title=They Were Driving Through a Tunnel. Then the Water Rushed In. |date=2024-10-15 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/15/nyregion/queens-midtown-tunnel-leak.html |access-date=2024-10-16 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==Bus routes==
The tunnel carries 21 [[List of express bus routes in New York City|express bus]] [[express bus|routes]]; sixteen of these routes use the tunnel for westbound travel only. The bus routes that use the tunnel are the {{NYC bus link|BM5|QM1|QM2|QM4|QM5|QM6|QM7|QM8|QM10|QM11|QM12|QM15|QM16|QM17|QM18|QM24|QM25|prose=y}}, all operated by the [[MTA Bus Company]], and the {{NYC bus link|QM63|QM64|QM68|prose=y}}, operated by [[MTA New York City Transit]]. All of these routes except the BM5, QM7, QM8, QM8 Super Express (SX), QM11, QM25, QM2 SX, QM5 SX, and QM20 SX use the tunnel for westbound travel only, as most of the routes use the Queensboro Bridge for eastbound travel.<ref>{{cite NYC bus map|Q}}</ref><ref>{{cite NYC bus map|QX}}</ref>

==Tolls==
[[File:QMTPlaza.jpg|thumb|Former toll plaza on the Queens side in Long Island City, prior to the replacement of cashless tolling]]
{{as of|2023|08|06|df=us}}, drivers pay $11.19 per car or $4.71 per motorcycle for tolls by mail/non-NYCSC E-Z Pass. [[E-ZPass]] users with transponders issued by the New York E‑ZPass Customer Service Center pay $6.94 per car or $3.02 per motorcycle. Mid-Tier NYCSC E-Z Pass users pay $8.36 per car or $3.57 per motorcycle. All E-ZPass users with transponders not issued by the New York E-ZPass CSC will be required to pay Toll-by-mail rates.<ref name=car-toll-rates>{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/bridges-and-tunnels/tolls-by-vehicle/cars|title=Car Toll Rates|at=Footnote 3|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 18, 2019|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829194309/https://new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/bridges-and-tunnels/tolls-by-vehicle/cars|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Open road tolling|Open-road cashless tolling]] started on January 10, 2017.<ref name="ABC-Cashless-2017">{{cite web|title=Queens–Midtown Tunnel tolls go cashless|website=ABC7 New York|date=January 10, 2017|url=http://abc7ny.com/1695163/|access-date=February 16, 2018|archive-date=February 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216205111/http://abc7ny.com/1695163/|url-status=live}}</ref> The tollbooths were dismantled, and drivers are no longer able to pay cash at the tunnel. Instead, cameras and [[E-ZPass]] readers are mounted on new overhead gantries manufactured by [[TransCore]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://transcore.com/projects/mta-bt |title=Project Profile Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), New York |access-date=2022-07-11 |website=TransCore |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712032949/https://transcore.com/projects/mta-bt |url-status=live }}</ref> located on the Manhattan side.<ref name="Siff 2016"/><ref name="WABC 2016"/> A vehicle without E-ZPass has a picture taken of its license plate and a bill for the toll is mailed to its owner.<ref name="MTA cashless">{{cite web | title=What Is Cashless Tolling? | website=MTA Bridges & Tunnels | url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/cashless/ | access-date=September 1, 2019 | archive-date=September 1, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901193345/http://web.mta.info/bandt/cashless/ | url-status=live }}</ref> For E-ZPass users, sensors detect their transponders wirelessly.<ref name="Siff 2016">{{cite web | last=Siff | first=Andrew | title=Automatic Tolls to Replace Gates at 9 NYC Spans: Cuomo | website=NBC New York | date=October 5, 2016 | url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Automatic-Tolls-Coming-to-New-York-City-Bridges-Tunnels-NYC-396050241.html | access-date=December 25, 2016 | archive-date=December 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225145426/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Automatic-Tolls-Coming-to-New-York-City-Bridges-Tunnels-NYC-396050241.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WABC 2016">{{cite web | title=MTA rolls out cashless toll schedule for bridges, tunnels | website=ABC7 New York | date=December 21, 2016 | url=http://abc7ny.com/1666924/ | access-date=December 25, 2016 | archive-date=December 25, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225214031/http://abc7ny.com/1666924/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MTA cashless" />

===Historical tolls===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+Historical passenger tolls for the Queens–Midtown Tunnel{{Efn|This table lists the peak tolls for two-axle vehicles. Motorcycle tolls and off-peak tolls are lower, and tolls for vehicles with additional axles are higher.}}
! rowspan="2" scope="col" | Years !! colspan="2" scope="col" | Toll !! colspan="2" scope="col" | Toll equivalent in {{inflation/year|index=US}}{{inflation/fn|index=US}}
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Ref.|References cited}}
|-
!Cash
!E-ZPass
!Cash
!E-ZPass
|-
| 1940–1972
| align="right" | $0.25
| rowspan="10" {{N/A}}
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.25|1972|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.25|1940|r=2}}}}
| rowspan="10" {{N/A}}
| <ref>{{cite web | title=East River Tunnel To Open Tomorrow | website=The New York Times | issn=0362-4331 | date=November 14, 1940 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/14/archives/east-river-tunnel-to-open-tomorrow-parade-to-precede-public-use-of.html | access-date=October 29, 2018 | archive-date=October 30, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035922/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/11/14/archives/east-river-tunnel-to-open-tomorrow-parade-to-precede-public-use-of.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 1972–1975
| align="right" | $0.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.5|1975|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.5|1972|r=2}}}}
| <ref name="Prial 1972">{{cite web |last=Prial |first=Frank J. |date=January 7, 1972 |title=Triborough Tolls Cause Snarls Inside and Outside Cars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035852/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/07/archives/triborough-tolls-cause-snarls-inside-and-outside-cars.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="The New York Times 1975"/>
|-
| 1975–1980
| align="right" | $0.75
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.75|1980|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|0.75|1975|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="The New York Times 1975">{{cite web |date=September 2, 1975 |title=New Fares and Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035517/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/09/02/archives/new-fares-and-tolls.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1980–1982
| align="right" | $1.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.00|1982|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.00|1980|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Goldman 1980">{{cite web |last=Goldman |first=Ari L. |date=May 17, 1980 |title=Tolls Are Raised For Two Tunnels And Six Bridges; Will Affect Four Boroughs --Some Trips to Cost $1 Expected to Yield $33 Million Verrazano-Narrows Is Exempt M.T.A. Increases Tolls for 2 Tunnels and 6 Bridges |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035647/https://www.nytimes.com/1980/05/17/archives/tolls-are-raised-for-two-tunnels-and-six-bridges-will-affect-four.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1982–1984
| align="right" | $1.25
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.25|1984|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.25|1982|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="The New York Times 1982">{{cite web |date=April 18, 1982 |title=Tolls Rise Tomorrow For Several Crossings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035445/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/04/18/nyregion/tolls-rise-tomorrow-for-several-crossings.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1984–1986
| align="right" | $1.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.50|1985|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.50|1986|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Daley 1983">{{cite web |last=Daley |first=Suzanne |date=December 17, 1983 |title=M.T.A. RAISES FARES AND TOLLS BY 20% ACROSS THE BOARD |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041344/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/12/17/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-and-tolls-by-20-across-the-board.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1986–1987
| align="right" | $1.75
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.75|1987|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|1.75|1986|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 1986">{{cite news |date=December 31, 1985 |title=Motorists - New Tolls on TBTA Bridges and Tunnels 11:59 PM Weds Jan 1, 1986 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090625/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946245/motorists_new_tolls_on_tbta_bridges/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=New York Daily News |page=245 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 1987–1989
| align="right" | $2.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.00|1989|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.00|1987|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Bronstein 1987">{{cite web |last=Bronstein |first=Scott |date=February 8, 1987 |title=DRIVERS IRKED BY TOLL RISE AT 5 BRIDGES AND TUNNELS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035631/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/02/08/nyregion/drivers-irked-by-toll-rise-at-5-bridges-and-tunnels.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1989–1993
| align="right" | $2.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.50|1993|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|2.50|1989|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="Pitt 1989">{{cite web |last=Pitt |first=David E. |date=July 18, 1989 |title=Toll Increase at Bridges Is Described as Smooth |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090611/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/18/nyregion/toll-increase-at-bridges-is-described-as-smooth.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 1993–1996
| align="right" | $3.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.00|1996|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.00|1993|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 1993">{{cite news |date=January 30, 1993 |title=Commuter Alert |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041036/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24946889/commuter_alert/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=The Journal-News |location=White Plains, NY |page=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 1996–2003
| align="right" | $3.50
| align="right" | $3.50
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|2003|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|1996|r=2}}}}
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|2003|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|3.50|1996|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="The New York Times 1996">{{cite web |date=March 26, 1996 |title=Bridge and Tunnel Traffic Smooth as Tolls Rise |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035853/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/26/nyregion/bridge-and-tunnel-traffic-smooth-as-tolls-rise.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 2003–2005
| align="right" | $4.00
| align="right" | $4.00
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2005|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2003|r=2}}}}
| align="center" | ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2005|r=2}}}}–{{formatprice|{{inflation|US|4.00|2003|r=2}}}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 2003">{{cite news |date=May 19, 2003 |title=Tolls rise on Manhattan bridges and tunnels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030042600/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949406/tolls_rise_on_manhattan_bridges_and/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |location=Poughkeepsie, NY |page=6A |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2005–2008
| align="right" | $4.50
| align="right" | $4.00
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.5|2008|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.5|2005|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4|2008|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4|2005|r=2}}|2}}
|<ref name="Lee 2005">{{cite web |last=Lee |first=Jennifer 8. |date=March 14, 2005 |title=Bridge-and-Tunnel Blues: Paying More to Cross Over |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035617/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/14/nyregion/bridgeandtunnel-blues-paying-more-to-cross-over.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>
|-
| 2008–2010
| align="right" | $5.00
| align="right" | $4.15
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5|2010|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5|2008|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.15|2010|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.15|2008|r=2}}|2}}
|<ref name="newspapers.com 2008">{{cite news |date=March 16, 2008 |title=Toll hikes start on bridges, tunnels |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090651/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24949691/toll_hikes_start_on_bridges_tunnels/ |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |work=The Journal-News |location=White Plains, NY |page=12 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
|-
| 2010–2015
| align="right" | $6.50
| align="right" | $4.80
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.5|2015|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.5|2010|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|4.8|2015|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|4.8|2010|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref name="Grynbaum 2010">{{cite web |last=Grynbaum |first=Michael M. |date=October 28, 2010 |title=M.T.A. Raises Bridge and Tunnel Tolls |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030035645/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/28/nyregion/28tolls.html |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |access-date=October 29, 2018 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2010">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2010 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=May 14, 2010 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514044013/http://www.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=May 14, 2011}}</ref>
|-
| 2015–2017
| align="right" | $8.00
| align="right" | $5.54
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|8|2017|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|8|2015|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5.54|2017|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5.54|2015|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref name="The New York Times 2015">{{cite web |title=M.T.A. Is Raising Fares and Tolls; One Subway or Bus Ride Will Cost $2.75 |website=The New York Times |date=January 23, 2015 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html |access-date=October 29, 2018 |archive-date=October 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030041329/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/23/nyregion/mta-raises-fares-subways-and-buses.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2015">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2015 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=April 22, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422061534/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=April 22, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| 2017–2019
| align="right" | $8.50
| align="right" | $5.76
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|8.5|2019|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|8.5|2017|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|5.76|2019|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|5.76|2017|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref>{{cite web |title=M.T.A. Votes to Raise Fares and Tolls: What You Need to Know |website=The New York Times |date=January 25, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306052526/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/25/nyregion/mta-subway-bus-toll-metrocard-fare-increase.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2017">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |title=2017 Toll Information |publisher=MTA Bridges & Tunnels |access-date=March 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426225055/http://web.mta.info/bandt/traffic/btmain.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 2019–2021
| align="right" | $9.50
| align="right" | $6.12
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|9.5|2021|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|9.5|2019|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.12|2021|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.12|2019|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref>{{cite web |title=Subway Fares Are Rising Again. But That Won't Solve the M.T.A.'s Crisis. |work=The New York Times |date=February 27, 2019 |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304220532/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/nyregion/mta-fares-hike.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="bt-tolls-2019">{{cite web |title=New Fares and Tolls Take Effect |website=Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) |date=February 27, 2019 |url=https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf |access-date=March 5, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043838/https://new.mta.info/sites/default/files/2019-03/B%26T_toll_tables_03-01-19.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| 2021–2023
| align="right" | $10.17
| align="right" | $6.55
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|10.17|2023|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|10.17|2021|r=2}}|2}}
| align="center" | ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.55|2023|r=2}}|2}}–{{Inflation|US|6.55|2021|r=2}}|2}}
| <ref>{{cite web | last=Guse | first=Clayton | title=MTA jacking up tolls 7% across-the-board on New York City bridges and tunnels | website=New York Daily News | date=February 18, 2021 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-nyc-mta-bridges-tunnels-tolls-increase-20210218-jgnc3f7wvngfzmxdgyo5s3wdxa-story.html | access-date=March 14, 2021}}</ref>
|-
| 2023–present
| align="right" | $11.19
| align="right" | $6.94
| align="center" | $11.19<!-- ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|11.19|2023|r=2}}|2}}}} -->
| align="center" | $6.94<!-- ${{formatnum:{{round|{{Inflation|US|6.94|2023|r=2}}|2}}}} -->
| <ref name="Bascome 2023 j931">{{cite web | last=Bascome | first=Erik | title=These are the new MTA bridge and tunnel toll rates | website=silive | date=August 6, 2023 | url=https://www.silive.com/news/2023/08/reminder-mta-toll-increases-take-effect-on-sunday.html | access-date=April 6, 2024}}</ref>
|}

===Congestion toll===
{{further|Congestion pricing in New York City#Tolls}}
[[Congestion pricing in New York City]] was implemented in January 2025;<ref name="Anderson o055">{{cite web | last=Hu | first=Winnie | last2=Ley | first2=Ana | title=New York City Welcomes Congestion Pricing With Fanfare and Complaints | website=The New York Times | date=January 5, 2025 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/05/nyregion/nyc-congestion-pricing-tolls.html | access-date=January 8, 2025 |postscript=none}}; {{cite web | last=Bridge | first=Rowan | title=New York becomes first US city with congestion charge | website=BBC Home | date=January 5, 2025 | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjr2wn3zvqvo | access-date=January 8, 2025}}</ref> drivers who enter Manhattan via the tunnel pay a second toll.<ref name="Bascome 2023 r111"/><ref name="Kramer Williams Duddridge 2023 j780"/> The [[congestion pricing|congestion charges]] are  collected via E-ZPass and tolls-by-mail.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ley|first=Ana|date=2023-06-28|title=How Might Congestion Pricing Actually Work in New York?|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/nyregion/congestion-pricing-nyc.html|access-date=2023-12-02|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202231919/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/28/nyregion/congestion-pricing-nyc.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The charges vary based on time of day and vehicle class, but the congestion toll is charged once per day. Drivers who use the Queens–Midtown Tunnel to enter the congestion zone will receive a credit toward the congestion charge during the day, and they would pay a discounted toll at night.<ref name="Bascome 2023 r111">{{cite web |last=Bascome |first=Erik |date=December 2, 2023 |title=NYC congestion pricing: How much you'll pay, crossing credits, exemptions and more |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2023/12/nyc-congestion-pricing-how-much-youll-pay-crossing-credits-exemptions-and-more.html |access-date=December 2, 2023 |website=silive |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202190441/https://www.silive.com/news/2023/12/nyc-congestion-pricing-how-much-youll-pay-crossing-credits-exemptions-and-more.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Kramer Williams Duddridge 2023 j780">{{cite web | last=Kramer | first=Marcia | last2=Williams | first2=Doug | last3=Duddridge | first3=Natalie | title=Congestion pricing draft report obtained by CBS New York shows $15 toll for most drivers entering Manhattan's Central Business District | website=CBS New York | date=November 30, 2023 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/congestion-pricing-costs-new-york-central-business-district/ | access-date=December 2, 2023 | archive-date=December 2, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202040711/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/congestion-pricing-costs-new-york-central-business-district/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Clear}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{attached KML|display=inline,title}}
*{{Commons category-inline|Queens-Midtown Tunnel}}
*{{oweb|https://new.mta.info/agency/bridges-and-tunnels/queens-midtown-tunnel}}

{{NYC Bridge}}
{{Crossings navbox
|structure       = Crossings
|place           = [[East River]]
|bridge          = Queens–Midtown Tunnel
|bridge signs    = [[File:Toll plate yellow.svg|25px]]<br>[[Image:I-495.svg|25px]]
|upstream        = [[Steinway Tunnel]]
|upstream signs  = {{NYCS Flushing|time=bullets}}
|downstream      = [[East River Tunnels]]
|downstream signs =
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Queens-Midtown Tunnel}}
[[Category:Toll tunnels in New York City]]
[[Category:Crossings of the East River]]
[[Category:Tolled sections of Interstate Highways]]
[[Category:Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority]]
[[Category:Tunnels completed in 1940]]
[[Category:Long Island City]]
[[Category:Road tunnels in New York City]]
[[Category:1940 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Roads with a reversible lane]]