Kingsway tramway subway, Tramway tunnel from Holborn to Strand in central London, England
The Kingsway tramway subway is a tram tunnel in central London that runs from Holborn to the Strand area beneath Kingsway street. The route spans around 800 meters (half a mile) and features brick vaulting with a steel-beam ceiling that shapes the underground space.
The London County Council built the tunnel in 1906 to connect the tram networks in the north and south of the city. After tram services declined, the route closed in 1952 and was later designated as a listed structure.
The underground route takes its name from the street above and displays typical features of Edwardian transport construction through its brickwork arches and recesses. Fittings for cables and signals that powered the electric operation remain visible along the walls.
The London Transport Museum organizes occasional guided visits through the disused tunnel, allowing guests to see the preserved infrastructure. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the floor is uneven and humidity levels may be higher than at street level.
Authorities commissioned special vehicles made with fireproof materials because wooden construction was banned for underground operation. This precaution made the trams running here among the first of their kind in the city.
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