Bethlehem Steel and the Lincoln Tunnel: The Bethlehem Plant Iron Foundry and Its Role in Tunnel History

Presenter: Trevor Shellhammer, Shellhammer Consulting

The first engineered tunnel to be dug under navigable water is thought to be crossing the river Thames in London, 1843.  This presentation by former Bethlehem Steel research supervisor Trevor Shellhammer will give an overview of early underwater tunnel construction in America in the late 19^th century, and Bethlehem Steel’s interest in the subject.  The history of the Iron Foundry building in the Bethlehem Plant will be reviewed along with historical photographs.  The foundry building was one of the first in the early iron works in Bethlehem, PA, and is still standing, adjacent to the National Museum of Industrial History.  Details of the production of the steel and iron castings by the plant’s Manufacturing Division for the 3^rd tube of the Lincoln Tunnel in the 1950’s will be presented.  This will include specific information on sand molding procedures and metal specifications, as well as finishing processes, including machining, for the over 28,000 cast segments and keys required for the Lincoln’s 3^rd tube.  The Lincoln tunnel, with original superstructure, is still being used by over 50,000 vehicles every day.  An actual tunnel segment is planned for display at the museum as an example of the tunnel segment castings.

FREE FOR NMIH MEMBERS

$5 FOR NON-MEMBERS

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