Cheadle Tunnel
Cheadle Tunnel
![Sections of the tunnel are protected by strengthening ribs and corrugated sheeting.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-93.jpg)
![A few wagons have been abandoned in the tunnel, as well as the track they once ran on.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-93.jpg)
![An assortment of adits and access routes lead off the main bore.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-93.jpg)
![The tunnel is lined in blue engineering brick. This sign shows bell codes used during mine workings.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-92.jpg)
![A mass of equipment, materials and detritus remains in the tunnel from its time as a mine. The sheeting was part of a ventilation system.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-92.jpg)
![Although the rest of it appears sound, deeper into the tunnel, the structure is blocked by a major collapse.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-91.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-93.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-93.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-93.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-92.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-92.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-91.jpg)
The section of line between Totmonslow to Cheadle, including a 978-yard tunnel, opened on New Year’s Day 1901. It served communities on the route plus a couple of local collieries.
The tunnel caused headaches from day one, being prone to cracking and movement. On 3rd November 1918 a significant collapse occurred. This was repaired and strengthening rings installed through much of its middle section. But in 1930 with problems persisting, its new owners, the London Midland & Scottish Railway, decided to construct a deviation, taking the route on an easterly alignment around the hill.
Draycott Colliery continued to be served by the section of line heading into Cheadle from the north portal. The branch’s southern section was abandoned. The last train passed through the tunnel on 26th November 1933, since which time the tunnel has collapsed again.
During the 1980s, mine workings were opened just inside the southern entrance. These operated for eight years, closing in 1991.