[3] The Helix was built in order to connect the highway, later designated Route 495, at the top of the Palisades to the portals of the Lincoln Tunnel at the bottom.

Weehawken has zoning laws prohibiting the construction of mid- or high-rise buildings that would obstruct sightlines from higher points in town, such as from the Helix.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the owner/operator of the structure, defines the Helix to begin at Route 495 mile mark 1.8,[10] at the eastbound exit for Pleasant Ave.

The weight limit on the Helix, which varies for vehicles and trucks with different axle counts, is strictly monitored and enforced by the PANYNJ.

Originally, it was proposed that the highway would cut through the Palisades via an underground tunnel that would go straight to the toll plaza or the tunnel itself; instead the PANYNJ realized this was not feasible and would disrupt much of the cities, so they opted to build the Helix instead, which goes and above the cliffs to make an oval-shaped loop above below roads, including Boulevard East.

[19] The Helix, as part of the Lincoln Tunnel Approach, is considered eligible for New Jersey Register of Historic Places for engineering in transportation for architecture and design.

The intro shows protagonist Tony Soprano exiting the tunnel, driving onto the Helix looking out towards Manhattan with James Gandolfini’s credit on screen, before transitioning to the turnpike.