Bankhead Tunnel, Tunnel in Mobile, Alabama
The Bankhead Tunnel is a road passage under Mobile Bay that links the city with eastern areas. Built from seven concrete sections sunk underwater, it spans about 3,389 feet (1,033 meters) with a low clearance that restricts passage to passenger cars and light trucks.
Construction began in 1938 and the tunnel opened to the public on February 20, 1941, after three years of floating and sinking seven concrete sections into place. Engineer Wayne Palmer designed this innovative underwater construction method that was considered an engineering breakthrough at the time.
The tunnel serves as a daily crossing for many residents and commuters in Mobile. It connects different parts of the city and holds a place in the collective memory of how transportation has shaped local life.
The tunnel accommodates only passenger cars and light trucks; larger vehicles must use alternate routes like the George Wallace Tunnel. Be aware of the low clearance and narrow lanes, especially if driving a bigger vehicle.
The tunnel appears in two notable films: in a scene from 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977), a car drives through while UFOs hover overhead, and it was later featured in 'Stone Cold' (1991). This cinematic history makes it an unexpected pop culture landmark in Mobile.
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