Eads Railroad Tunnel

[squabbit]

Was doing some research yesterday and stumbled onto this description of the Eads Bridge RR tunnel. I apologize if this has already been discussed somewhere. The tunnel was finished in 1874. The tracks came off the Eads bridge heading east and went underground at 3rd street near Washington Avenue. From there, the tunnel goes west to 7th street and curves south to a point near 8th and locust. It then runs below 8th street south to Clark at which point it emerged and the tracks headed west into Union Station. The tunnel itself is 4,095 feet long and is described as a "double tunnel," though its dimensions don't seem adequate to accomodate two trains simultaneously. The walls are 5 feet thick, the tunnel is 16.6 feet high, and 14 feet wide. There apparently was an opening in the basement of the old post office for mail delivery, but it was sealed behind a wall because the train's coal smoke was contaminating the building. There was one large exhaust stack, 20 feet in diameter, situated on the north side of St. Charles street (alley) between 7th and 8th, the mid point of the tunnel. Ready.......set.........go!

[memory_machine]

I had the same reaction as you when I read about that tunnel. Unfortunately, that is the tunnel that the Metrolink uses now.

[redox]

I've been wondering if there are any old blocked off RR spurs down there leading off the main tunnel. With all the manufacturing wholsaleing and wharehousing in the area back then, there could be. I haven't found any info that would make me think that, it just stands to reason.

[squabbit]

Damn. I just realized that the Metrolink uses that thing too. I just logged on to tell everybody false alarm. Sorry guys, I was really excited for a bit there.

[redox]

This is interesting:

"Cupples Station was connected directly to railroads by an intricate system of tunnels and spur lines."

http://stlcin.missouri.org/history/even ... ter_ID=245

3 of 18 buildings from the origional complex are still there, and may have tunnels.

[lzrturbo91]

hey it said that it had a line that ran down to union station - i know where this is its a long and treatreous trip but i think it would take you there

[redox]

hey it said that it had a line that ran down to union station - i know where this is its a long and treatreous trip but i think it would take you there

Huh?

[redox]

hey it said that it had a line that ran down to union station - i know where this is its a long and treatreous trip but i think it would take you there

[lzrturbo91]

i know the way ... ill post more after i go down there again ... it should be a cool ass trip

[lzrturbo91]

also read my othe stuff in "under union station"

[lzrturbo91]

ok i havent gone down there yet i need to repel down there anyone have ropes ? and maby wants to come ?

[Jamesw]

ok i havent gone down there yet i need to repel down there anyone have ropes ? and maby wants to come ?

Cough fucking cough

[redox]

What are you talking about lzrturbo? Do you really know how to get into that tunnel you mentioned?

[lzrturbo91]

yup i do so does james w but good luck getting him to go in there he hates it - but well see ill show you if i had 300 ft of fing rope

[ropingk]

you know i could probaly go DOWN 300 foot of rope but climbing back up