Most People Have No Idea This Unique Tunnel In Michigan Exists
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
If you’re from Michigan, you’ve likely heard of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which has allowed drivers easy access from Detroit to Canada since the 1930s. What you might not be familiar with, however, is the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel, which first came into existence over 100 years ago. Here’s a brief history of the lesser-known tunnel, which has played a major role in cross-border transport over the last century.
As its name suggests, the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel was constructed as a means of allowing train transport between Detroit and Windsor by way of the Detroit River border. Construction began in 1906 under the supervision of The New York Central Railroad, and ultimately cost upwards of $8 million to complete.
So, what makes this little-known tunnel such a unique bit of Michigan history? Most people are unfamiliar with the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel because it is not accessible to the public — but it was actually the first-ever tunnel built using the "immersed tube" method that successfully carried traffic. Its 1.6 mile tracks were completed in July of 1910, at which point it replaced the ferry transport method that had previously existed for railcar movement across the river.
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In 2010, the tunnel’s parent companies announced their intent to construct a brand-new railroad tube to replace the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel. This plan was ultimately thrown out after the 2015 reveal of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, which should be completed by 2020.
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To this day, the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel remains in use, providing safe passage to approximately 400,00 railway cars under the Detroit River each year. Michigan history is truly fascinating, even if you have to dig below the surface to find it.
Check out the video below to learn more about the tunnel’s enlargement during the 1990s.
What’s your favorite tidbit of little-known Michigan history?
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