The 60th Street Tunnel carries the N, ​R, and ​W trains of the New York City Subway under the East River and Roosevelt Island between Manhattan and Queens.

The tunnel was built as part of the Dual Contracts, which expanded the current New York City Subway system greatly.

A false bottom was placed in the river over some sections of tunneling work due to the very high level of air pressure needed.

The two new tunnels allowed passengers to make an 18-mile (29 km) trip from Coney Island, through Manhattan, to Queens for a 5 cent fare.

In 1983, as part of the MTA's first Capital Program, it was announced that work was required to keep the 60th Street Tunnel in a state of good repair.