Whitrope Tunnel

Whitrope Tunnel

South entrance of Whitrope Tunnel in December 1999
Overview
Line Waverley Route
Location Between Shankend and Riccarton Junction
Coordinates 55°18′10″N 2°45′03″W
System North British Railway
Operation
Opened 1862
Closed 1969
Technical
Length 1,208 yards (1,105 m)
Track gauge 4 ft 8 12 in (1,435 mm)

The Whitrope Tunnel is a disused railway tunnel in the Scottish Borders, situated 12 miles (19 km) south of Hawick on the Waverley Route, just close to Whitrope. It has a length of 1,208 yards (1,105 m).

It is the fourth longest tunnel in Scotland. The tunnel is on the Hawick to Carlisle part of the former line, opened in the 1860s by the North British Railway. The Tunnel was closed in 1969 (as with the Waverley Route itself) by British Rail.

The Waverley Route Heritage Association is currently aiming to restore the tunnel to former standards and use. The tunnel is a Category B listed building[1] and forms a key part of the former route.

Around 2008, there was a partial collapse of the tunnel roof at the south portal. Although it is repairable, there is no source of funding and consequently the tunnel has been sealed off for public safety.

See also

References

Coordinates: 55°18′10″N 2°45′03″W / 55.30278°N 2.75083°W / 55.30278; -2.75083


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