The Kingsway Tram Tunnel is an abandoned tunnel, built to connect the "North Side" and "South Side" tramway systems in the Holborn area of London. The tunnel was constructed between 1902 and 1905 and it was in operation between 1906-1957. It ran from the junction of Theobalds Road and Southampton Row at its northern end, to the Embankment (in 1908) at its southern end, with underground tram stations at Holborn and Strand. Public service began on 24th February 1906. The first journey took 12 minutes northbound and 10 minutes to return, even allowing for the horse-drawn vehicles also using the roads on the overground part of the route.
In 1929 double-decker trams were introduced after works that raised the roof and deepened the tunnel. During the mid 30's all trams in London started being replaced by "more modern vehicles", mostly trolley-buses and conventional diesel buses. All London trams were finally abandoned on 5th July 1952.
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| The northern entrance in 2003 |
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| Approaching Holborn station, 2003 |
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| Holborn station on the right viewed from the southbound track. The tunnel is used by Camden Council for storage |
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| The exit at the northern end of Holborn station below ground |
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| Looking south from the southbound track, 2003 |
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| 2012 |
Until 1984, a portable building near the north of the tunnel was used as a flood control headquarters for the Greater London Council:
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Fake roundel for “Union Street” station; the tunnel was recently used to film scenes for The Escapist
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| The small office at Holborn |
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| The tunnel entrance, 1906 – 1920, from the collection of London Transport Museum, copyright TfL |
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| The tunnel pictured at some point between 1945 and 1951, from the collection of London Transport Museum, copyright TfL |
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This looks like a perfect place to film a horror movie!
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