East New York Tunnels
Brooklyn, NY

The East New York rail tunnels were built in 1914 to eliminate dangerous grade crossings. Four tubes were constructed and were all used for passenger and freight operations by the LIRR. Passenger service ended in the 1920s, but the small pasenger platform still remains at the sourthern end of the tunnels. Today, the New York and Atlantic Railway operates several freights per week through the tunnel using only one track. We made this the day after the big blizzard of 2005 and we had to trudge about a quarter mile through a foot of snow. Huge icicles inside the tunnel looked really cool.