Tunnels are not the most fascinating part of the road. They are dark and dull, and we are always looking forward to when they will end, to get back to the sunlight again. However, there are tunnels that can themselves become a tourist attraction. Like those six in the gallery, three of which are for trains.
The six most unusual tunnels in the world (GALLERY):
Tunnel Log, USA
The fallen Tunnel Log of Sequoia National Park came into being after an unnamed giant sequoia fell across the Crescent Meadow Road in late 1937 as a result of “natural causes.” The following summer, a tunnel was cut through the fallen log as a visitor attraction. When it fell, the tree stood 275 feet high (83.8 meters) and was 21 feet in diameter at the base (6.4 meters). The tree’s age when it fell has not been determined, but probably exceeded 2,000 years.
The tunnel, which remains in use today, is 17 feet wide and 8 feet high (5.2 meters by 2.4 meters). There is a bypass for taller vehicles. “Why not cut a new tunnel tree?” many visitors suggest when they discover that the Wawona Tree can no longer be driven through. Into it, two cars can pass without problems.
The tunnel of fireflies, Australia
The firefly tunnel, located on an old railway line near the Australian city of Helensburgh, has long been unused, closed many years ago. The lack of passing trains has made the dark tunnel an excellent refuge for thousands of fireflies
When one sees inside the “starry sky” formed by the radiance of these insects, the feeling is quite difficult to describe in words. The most important thing is not to be afraid to go inside.
The tunnel of love, Ukraine
This is one of those places that invariably attract all lovers of romance. The old railway tracks pass through a real tunnel formed by the trunks and crowns of trees, curved in an unusual way.
On the way, there is a regular train of the ODEC Ukraine plant – a frequent participant in photos from the Tunnel of Love. It is it who breaks the growing branches of trees and keeps the tunnel in this condition. The rest of the time is soft for lovers of romantic photography.
Pioneer Hut, USA
Now powerful redwoods are treated as carefully as possible, but this has not always been the case. Years ago, passages were made directly through a growing tree. This is quite possible because the trunk of an adult tree can reach 10 meters in diameter – just enough to pass a car.
One of the most famous trees – redwood Wavona, was “modified” in a similar way in the early 19th century. But in 2017, it falls. Authorities did not remove the tree but placed a “Fallen Tree-Tunnel” sign in front of it. As a result, the number of tourists did not decrease.
The Natural Tunnel, USA
This tunnel is the only cave in Virginia. And a real and active railway line passes through it! The construction company that built the road to the Appalachians decided that it made no sense to spend money and time on building a tunnel since nature has already taken care of it? This is how this unique tunnel came about.
Until recently, passenger trains passed on the line, but now only freight trains travel. They drive at a low speed so that the sound and vibrations do not damage the delicate walls of a natural cave.
Tunnel Tower, Japan
One of the most interesting buildings in Japan is the Gate Tower in Osaka. It comes as a result of an unusual compromise between the landowner and the government. The 5th, 6th, and 7th floors of this 16-storey office building are occupied by a road running right through it.
On the information board on the first floor, the tenants of the three floors are marked as “Hanshin Expressway”. The tunnel has no contact with the building. The highway passes through a bridge-tunnel, supported by supports near the building, and is surrounded by a structure that protects the tower from noise and vibration.