World Trip 2002 - Cincinnati N 39° 07.40 W 084° 32.01
I
visited Cincinnati for one thing, the large 4 station abandoned subway. I
had heard on the Internet that this was the world's largest abandoned subway
network. I am not sure if this is true, but it does not matter, it certainly
was impressive. My guide, Jake really knew the history of these tunnels well.
He was able to tell me a great deal about them. Also along was one of Jake's
friend's who's house I stayed over at.
The Cincinnati Subway tunnels were built many years ago, but funding was not available to finish the project or run trains. Planning of the Cincinnati Subway begain in the early 1900s. A bill was passed to raise $6 million dollars to construct the underground railway. WW 1 intervened, and by the time it ended inflation had reduced the value of the money to build the Cincinnati Subway.Construction started in in early 1920s, in January 1920 to be exact. The final path chosen for the Cincinnati Subway was to be along the old Miami-Erie canal bed. Five years later, when funding ran out, over three kilometers of dual underground subway tunnel had been built in two main sections, as well as some other railway works. In addition, three underground subway stations had been completed, and one further subway station had been started on. Sleepers had even been fixed to the floor of the tunnel, giving it a finished look. All that was needed to complete the Cincinnati Subway was the rail tracks, electrical equipment and fitting out of the subway stations. Oh, and of course the rolling stock.
The tunnels of
the Cincinnati Subway were left to remain unused, with the occasional inspection
by engineers to make sure they were in safe condition. One of the two side
by side tunnels was used to lay a water main along, the other tunnel has fiber
optic cables along one wall. Plans are now in place to use the tunnels for
what they were originally designed for, as transit tunnels.
Cincinnati Subway entrance portal
Someone had conveniently cut a small entrance for us.
First entrance from inside the Cincinnati Subway tunnel showing some scaffolding.
Second entrance from inside
Looking into the tunnel.
Walking down the Cincinnati Subway tunnels. Note the gap into the other tunnel beside us.
View of the gaps between the tunnels in the unfinished Cincinnati Subway tunnels.
The Cincinnati Subway tunnels were quite large, easily wide and high enough to cater for trains.
Wooden track ties had been laid length ways along the Cincinnati Subway floor, ready for tracks.
Optical fiber cables had been laid in popes along the tunnel walls. Every now and then there was a junction box.
The first station in the Cincinnati Subway. I apologize for poor picture quality. My camera just does not like the dark.
The first disused Cincinnati Subway Station platform and exit passage to stairs in the background.
Exit stairs. These were concreted over at the surface. I checked the other side, there is access to the surface from this abandoned Cincinnati Subway station.
Looking along the platform to gaps to the second tunnel.
Same as above, but looking back towards the way we came.
The big water pipe that half filled one tunnel.
Passages leading to the surface,
Exit stairs. As you can see there is access to the surface streets above this disused Cincinnati Subway station. If brought back into use, I expect the concrete cap above these stairs will be cut away.
Just past the first station the left side tunnel began to fill with water.
The water filled tunnel in the Cincinnati Subway. It was about knee deep water, but very clear. You can see the railway ties laid along the bottom of the disused railway tunnel.
It was obvious that rain water poured into the tunnel whenever it rained.
Walking down the tunnel half filled with the water pipe. For some reason it is covered in plastic. This was at the point of the second station. Notice how there are sort of arches along the right side wall of the tunnel. It was planned these could be cut away and a station built here. Note also how the tunnel roof curves in one part and is flat to the right.
I was shown the abandoned Cinncinatti subway by Jake. You can read more about this subway on his web site, this site and here.
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