23 June 2019 - GREENWICH FOOT TUNNEL, ENGLAND


GREENWICH FOOT 
TUNNEL, ENGLAND

G'day folks,

A 1,215-foot tunnel transports pedestrians beneath the River Thames. 

 

Opened in 1902, the Greenwich Foot Tunnel cuts 50 feet deep below the surface to take pedestrians under the River Thames from Greenwich to the Isle of Dogs.





The cast iron tunnel is 1,215 feet long and covered with around 200,000 white tiles. It was created as a way for workers who lived in south London to get to work at the docks on the Isle of Dogs, replacing a ferry service, although now it offers 24 hour access to any travelers who need to cross the London river. 




During World War II, the northern end of the tunnel was damaged in the London bombing, and there you can see it reinforced with a concrete lining and thick steel. To enter the tunnel, look for the glazed dome buildings for access into the underground passageway.






Renovation work to install new lifts and improve drainage started in 2009 and was completed in 2014 after delay. Access to the tunnel is by stairs or lifts.  Although a foot tunnel, Greenwich council is trialling the use of a “shared” cycling and pedestrian use at less busy times.

Clancy's comment: Mm ... I'd hate to be halfway across when it springs a leak.
I'm ...



 

 

 

4 comments:

  1. fascinating place, Clancy. I've not been there but my daughter has - she and her partner went on a boat down the Thames and then crossed the river using the tunnel. She said it was a great experience.

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  2. I remember walking through the tunnel on a visit to London in the 80s. I was fascinated to see that there were mini stalactites hanging onto the ceiling.

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