Severn Bridge Tunnel
Severn Bridge Tunnel
![The southern portal of Severn Bridge Tunnel, covered in moss and equipped with its own water feature.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-188.jpg)
![There are few doubts about the completion date of the tunnel.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-188.jpg)
![Distortion close to the south portal suggests that a collapse is not beyond the bounds of possiblity.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-188.jpg)
![In two places, the lining is held up by boards and an iron framework.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-187.jpg)
![Masonry sidewalls give way to a brick segmental arch.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-187.jpg)
![There are many refuges although it's unlikely any of them saw much use as the tunnel only ever had a single line running through it.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-182.jpg)
![A rather faded chainage marker.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-173.jpg)
![The approaches to the tunnel's northern portal.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-155.jpg)
![Taken in May 1964, the view south through Severn Bridge Station towards the tunnel's approach cutting.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image9-133.jpg)
![On 15th May 1877, work on the tunnel is a long way from completion.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image10-104.jpg)
![Five years after closure, the single line still retreats into the darkness.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image11-86.jpg)
![Today the north portal's masonry remains in very decent condition.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image12-62.jpg)
![Formerly installed at the north end, the tunnel's length is confirmed.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image13-47.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-188.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-188.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-188.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-187.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-187.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-182.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-173.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-155.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image9-133.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image10-104.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image11-86.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image12-62.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image13-47.jpg)
Built by the Severn Bridge Railway Company between 1875-78, this 506-yard tunnel formed part of the western approach route to a mammoth cast iron rail bridge of 4,162 feet which spanned the river, joining the village of Purton on the west bank to Sharpness on the east.
One man died during the tunnel’s construction which, although built for two tracks, only ever accommodated one. Both masonry side walls incorporate several refuges whilst the brick roof has been supported with rail and timber in a couple of places. From the south, the line entered on a gentle curve of 120 chains radius, climbing towards the north end on a gradient of 1:132 before levelling out about 60 yards from the entrance.
The line was cut by the partial collapse of the Severn Rail Bridge in October 1960 after being struck by two barges in thick fog. Two rail tours used the line through the tunnel to reach Severn Bridge Station in April 1964. The track was finally lifted in 1968-69.