Stalybridge New Tunnel
Stalybridge New Tunnel
![The eastern portal is perched precariously in mid-air since the demolition of the adjacent viaduct.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-196.jpg)
![There's a substantial parapet above the entrance.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-196.jpg)
![Refuges are found on both sides including two next to the entrance.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-196.jpg)
![The refuges appear to be deeper than most. Perhaps the local platelayers were too well fed!](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-195.jpg)
![The location of an infilled construction shaft is marked by a sign. This was a recommendation of the 1953 Clifton Hall Tunnel tragedy.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-194.jpg)
![A change of profile reveals the lining to be seven bricks thick here.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-189.jpg)
![Infill encroaches into the tunnel at its western end, but the portal remains open.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-179.jpg)
![The austere western portal shows evidence of recent repointing.](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-160.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image1-196.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image2-196.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image3-196.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image4-195.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image5-194.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image6-189.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image7-179.jpg)
![](http://www.forgottenrelics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/image8-160.jpg)
Driven under Cocker Hill, Stalybridge New Tunnel welcomed eastbound services onto the Micklehurst loop which effectively four-tracked the LNWR’s main trans-Pennine route via Diggle, albeit involving alignments on opposite sides of the Tame Valley.
Whilst the tunnel was being constructed, services had to be cancelled in St George’s Church, sitting almost above it – explosions shook the foundations, causing cracks to appear. Thanks to the sinking of a construction shaft, headings were driven from one intermediate point as well as both ends. This was later infilled, not retained for ventilation.
The tunnel is 315 yards long, straight and lined throughout in blue brick.
In August 1913, a Leeds-Llandudno express ploughed into the rear of a goods train which was making slow progress through the tunnel. The guard’s van and several wagons were wrecked but the guard escaped death by jumping from his van onto the adjacent line. A breakdown gang was summoned to clear the debris.
Although the through line was severed in 1966, a spur through the tunnel remained open until 1976, serving a local power station.