The Freedom Tunnel is the popular name for the 2½-mile train tunnel under Riverside Park on Manhattan's West border. In the 1970s and 80s the tracks were disused and the tunnel became home to countless displaced and destitute people. Eventually entire eloborate shanty towns developed, some availed of electricity and running water siphoned off the tunnel's infrastructure. In the early 90s the inhabitants were removed by the city with the advent of the new HUD Section 8 programs, and the habitats (mostly) cleared out. Due to its hidden location, restricted access, and extraordinary lighting, the tunnel had become a veritable gallery of large-scale and elaborate graffiti art. Though the tunnel is in use again by Amtrak trains to and from Penn Station, installations continue to be added to this day.
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