Blue Ridge Tunnel

The Blue Ridge Tunnel is a historic 4,237-foot railroad tunnel located at Rockfish Gap in central Virginia. Built in the 1850s during the construction of the Blue Ridge Railroad, it was the westernmost and longest of the four tunnels engineered by Claudius Crozet. It was the longest tunnel in the United States at the time of its completion and was used by the Virginia Central Railroad until it was reorganized as the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad in 1868. The tunnel remained in use until it was abandoned and replaced by a new tunnel in 1944, which was also named the "Blue Ridge Tunnel". In 1976, the original Blue Ridge Tunnel was named a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Since late 2020, after a decade of stabilization and restoration work alongside the construction of access pathways, visitors have been invited to explore the tunnel as a linear park. It features guided tours, interpretive displays and pathways for pedestrian traffic only. The Blue Ridge Railroad was incorporated by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1849 with Claudius Crozet as the engineer in charge. An innovative French engineer who made great contributions to the development of engineering in the United States, Crozet designed the tunnels and led the construction process. The original four tunnels were built by hand, using primitive tools and labor provided by slaves, criminals and immigrants. Their pioneering work enabled travelers to cross the mountains using a single continuous route. Visitors who are interested in learning more about the history of the tunnel and its engineering significance can take a self-guided tour which leads them through each of the four tunnels. They will be able to explore the historic railroad tracks and tunnels, as well as the surrounding landscape. For those who want to explore further, there are longer hikes available which will guide them to some of the highlights of the area. The Blue Ridge Tunnel offers a unique experience for tourists and a great opportunity to learn about the history and engineering of a significant civil engineering landmark.

Location: Virginia

Location: Waynesboro

Source: Wikimedia