North portal - Standedge tunnel - Huddersfied Narrow canal - Standedge
Posted by: 
ntpayne
N 53° 36.233 W 001° 56.500
30U E 570028 N 5939972
The north portal to the over 3 mile long Standedge tunnel
Waymark Code: WMR3VA
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 05/09/2016
Views: 2
This tunnel is the highest, deepest and longest canal tunnel still in use in the UK. It was completed in 1811 followed by a single track rail tunnel in 1845. In 1847 a second single track rail tunnel was added. There was so much traffic that a double track tunnel was added in 1894 - the only one of the three tunnels still in use.
The canal tunnel was used to remove spoil from all three rail tunnels as they were built. There are several access points between all the tunnels which can aslo be used as emergency routes.
Going through the canal tunnel is a great experience even if it does damage the paintwork! Especially exciting when you get a rush of air as a train comes through the rail tunnel.
The work was commenced in 1794 and completed in 1811, at a cost of £271,000. There is no towpath through the tunnel and the boats were propelled through by boatmen - or ‘leggers’ as they were called - from the roof or sides, the operation occupying 1½ to four hours, according to the weight of the cargo and the number of men engaged in the work. The boat horses and attendants travelled by road over the tunnel.
Is the Tunnel in Use?: In Use
Which End is this Entrance?: North
Date Constructed: 01/01/1811
Length of Tunnel: 3 miles 135 yards
Construction Material: Brick lined, rough rock finish & concrete sprayed on rock
Associated Website: [Web Link]
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