Washburn Tunnel, structure in Houston & Pasadena, Harris County, Texas
Washburn Tunnel is a road passage beneath the Houston Ship Channel connecting Galena Park and Pasadena. The structure has two driving lanes and stretches over 3,700 feet (1,125 meters) with walls lined in white ceramic tiles throughout its length.
The tunnel opened in 1950 as the first vehicular crossing over this stretch of the channel, replacing earlier ferries that had served the area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, recognizing its significance in Houston's transportation history.
The tunnel is named after Harry L. Washburn, a longtime County Auditor, a choice that sparked local debate at the time. The white ceramic tiles lining the walls give the passage its distinctive look and connect visitors to the engineering style of the 1950s.
The tunnel is open 24 hours daily and free to drive through, with automatic ventilation and lighting for safe passage. Note that the tunnel closes briefly on Thursdays for inspection and cleaning maintenance.
The tunnel remains one of the few toll-free underwater roads in the southern United States and handles over 30,000 vehicles daily. Its innovative construction with backup generators has allowed it to stay flood-free even during hurricanes like Ike in 2008.
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