Redditch Tunnel, 330yds - Explored December 2021.
Above image shows the tunnel and track alignment through Reddtich (1883 - 1913).
Opened in 1868 as part of the new line from Brant Green in the north through to Ashchurch in the south running via Evesham, Known as the “Evesham Loop” Redditch Tunnel constructd to pass under Mount Pleasant took 18 months to construct because of problems with the sub soil the whole line was completed on May 4 1868. The whole of the line from Barnt Green to Ashchurch was built to double track standards except for the 330-yard Redditch Tunnel, the only section that had double track was that between Evesham and Ashchurch at various times during the life of the line schemes have been promoted for the doubling of the line between Redditch and Barnt Green. It was seriously considered during the Second World War when the possibility of a rail connection was looked at for the then new (opened 1939) High Duty Alloys factory to the north of the Redditch alongside Windsor Road, consideration was also given during the 1970’s when the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority was looking at the possibility of creating what became the Cross City Rail Line. General freight facilities were withdrawn from Redditch in 1969. The station continued to handle parcels and the freight yard was home to a rail fed stone terminal during the 1970's and early 1980's. This stone was required for the construction of the Redditch New Town and was closed following the completion of the M42 motorway, Closure came to Redditch Tunnel in 1962 during the infamous “Beeching Cuts” the plan had been to close the whole branch throughout but due to Redditch gaining city status in 1964 the town kept its station, today the tunnel stands forgotten, hidden away from view, the Northern Portal has been infilled and sealed with only a inspection chamber remaining for access which can be found in the nearby bus depot, the Southern entrance still remains although well hidden in dense woodlands/ undergrowth it’s well guarded with a preliminary fence closer to the nearby road (Tunnel Drive) arriving at the portal a huge steel fence/ mesh panels and nasty spikes greet you covered in anti climb anti vandal paint. Once inside it’s deathly silent, a few nice patches of calcite and oxide deposits garnish the beautifully curved walls, Wooden posts about 2 or 3ft high span the entire length which appear to have carried signalling cables / wires once upon a time, various cables hangers also dotted about and more notably a plaque with the number 57 adorned in the northern end of the tunnel, Unsure what this may represent also some nice wood shelflike furniture which had been crafted to curve up and over the refuges I have included a couple images for reference, reaching the northern end the concrete infill halts progress with a small chamber leading into a inspection access point as mentioned earlier going through the hatch would bring you into the bus garage, A really enjoyable couple hours this one some very photogenic features.
Above image taken 1960s, during the latter years of the tunnels use and shortly before closure.
Thanks For Looking!
Above image shows the tunnel and track alignment through Reddtich (1883 - 1913).
Opened in 1868 as part of the new line from Brant Green in the north through to Ashchurch in the south running via Evesham, Known as the “Evesham Loop” Redditch Tunnel constructd to pass under Mount Pleasant took 18 months to construct because of problems with the sub soil the whole line was completed on May 4 1868. The whole of the line from Barnt Green to Ashchurch was built to double track standards except for the 330-yard Redditch Tunnel, the only section that had double track was that between Evesham and Ashchurch at various times during the life of the line schemes have been promoted for the doubling of the line between Redditch and Barnt Green. It was seriously considered during the Second World War when the possibility of a rail connection was looked at for the then new (opened 1939) High Duty Alloys factory to the north of the Redditch alongside Windsor Road, consideration was also given during the 1970’s when the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority was looking at the possibility of creating what became the Cross City Rail Line. General freight facilities were withdrawn from Redditch in 1969. The station continued to handle parcels and the freight yard was home to a rail fed stone terminal during the 1970's and early 1980's. This stone was required for the construction of the Redditch New Town and was closed following the completion of the M42 motorway, Closure came to Redditch Tunnel in 1962 during the infamous “Beeching Cuts” the plan had been to close the whole branch throughout but due to Redditch gaining city status in 1964 the town kept its station, today the tunnel stands forgotten, hidden away from view, the Northern Portal has been infilled and sealed with only a inspection chamber remaining for access which can be found in the nearby bus depot, the Southern entrance still remains although well hidden in dense woodlands/ undergrowth it’s well guarded with a preliminary fence closer to the nearby road (Tunnel Drive) arriving at the portal a huge steel fence/ mesh panels and nasty spikes greet you covered in anti climb anti vandal paint. Once inside it’s deathly silent, a few nice patches of calcite and oxide deposits garnish the beautifully curved walls, Wooden posts about 2 or 3ft high span the entire length which appear to have carried signalling cables / wires once upon a time, various cables hangers also dotted about and more notably a plaque with the number 57 adorned in the northern end of the tunnel, Unsure what this may represent also some nice wood shelflike furniture which had been crafted to curve up and over the refuges I have included a couple images for reference, reaching the northern end the concrete infill halts progress with a small chamber leading into a inspection access point as mentioned earlier going through the hatch would bring you into the bus garage, A really enjoyable couple hours this one some very photogenic features.
Above image taken 1960s, during the latter years of the tunnels use and shortly before closure.
Thanks For Looking!
Last edited:
Thanks for the correction.
