Forgotten Historic Tunnel in Wales Rediscovered after Years of Neglect
Over 160 years ago, the town of Caernarfon in Wales was bustling with three railway stations, each managed by the London and North Western Railway. These stations served different railway lines, connecting various parts of the region. The construction of the ‘Carnarvon Town Line’ was approved on July 5, 1865, linking the Menai Bridge and Afon Wen, near Pwllheli, through a 163-yard tunnel under the historic town. Historical reports indicate that the tunnel was likely a cut and cover structure, with the roof appearing too thin for a bored tunnel.
The new railway line, which opened for goods services in August 1870 and passengers in January 1871, featured a mile-long connection between Caernarfon and other destinations. However, by 1964, both the lines to Afon Wen and Llanberis were shut down, ceasing all scheduled services over the Carnarvon Town Railway. With the closure of the lines, the once bustling railway tunnel fell into disrepair and neglect, covered in overgrowth as the tracks lay abandoned.
Efforts to revitalise the tunnel began in the 1990s, aiming to repurpose it as a road link underneath the town. By 1999, the refurbished tunnel welcomed vehicles instead of trains, operating between St Helens Road and Crown Street. The tunnel gained recognition after being featured in a multi-vehicle accident scene in the BBC series Casualty. Today, it serves as a vital road connection beneath Caernarfon town, offering a glimpse of its historic past and ongoing transformation.
Nearby, the new terminus for the Welsh Highland Railway now stands, utilising the former Cricceth line’s trackbed up to Dinas before following the route of the historic narrow gauge railway through the mountains. This revitalisation project showcases how abandoned infrastructure can be repurposed to serve modern transportation needs, preserving a piece of Wales’ rich railway history for future generations to appreciate.
While the tunnel may have once been a forgotten relic of the past, its revival as a road link has brought new life to the historic structure. Efforts to restore and repurpose such abandoned infrastructure not only enhance transport connectivity but also highlight the importance of preserving heritage sites for cultural and historical significance. The Caernarfon tunnel stands as a testament to the resilience of Wales’ railway history and the enduring efforts to repurpose and revitalise neglected landmarks for contemporary use.
The rediscovery and rehabilitation of the Caernarfon tunnel serve as a reminder of the rich history of Wales’ railway system and the potential for innovative reuse of abandoned infrastructure. By breathing new life into forgotten structures like the tunnel, communities can preserve their heritage while meeting modern transport needs. The ongoing transformation of the tunnel underscores the value of sustainable development and historical preservation, creating a link between the past and the present in Wales.