The decision as to the locations of the shafts on both sides of the
river, for construction purposes and finally for permanent use, was a
comparatively simple matter, and, all circumstances considered, they are
unquestionably in the most suitable places. On the New York side the
shaft was as near as practicable to the line dividing the subaqueous
iron-lined tunnels from the land tunnels, and on the New Jersey side the
shaft was placed centrally on the line of the tunnels and on the nearest
available ground to the river, while at the same time beyond the other
end of the river tunnels, thus necessitating driving the subaqueous
tunnels only from east and west to meet under the river. A caisson shaft
on the New York side, on the line of the tunnels near the river
bulkhead, was at one time considered, but was not adopted as it
entailed the driving of two shields both east and west, in addition to
the two from New Jersey, adding to the plant outlay while not affording
any material saving in the time of construction.

It was thought desirable to construct the shafts on the two sides of the
river in advance of letting the main contracts for the tunnels. The
Manhattan Shaft is north of the line of the tunnels, on the north side
of 32d Street, east of Eleventh Avenue. The Weehawken Shaft is on the
line of the tunnels in the yards of the Erie Railroad on the New Jersey
side, and the distance between the shafts is about 6,575 ft. The
contracts for these shafts were let in June, 1903, to the United
Engineering and Contracting Company, and they were completed and ready
for use at the time of letting the main contract for the tunnels, thus
saving considerable time.

_The Terminal Station-West.--Between Ninth and Tenth Avenues._--In the
original design it was contemplated to have a four-track tunnel under
32d Street from Ninth to Eleventh Avenues, but owing to the necessity