|
Alameda-Weehawken Tunnel
|
|
The Alameda-Weehawken Tunnel is a freight tunnel linking the cities of Weehawken and Alameda. History Construction of the tunnel began in 1913 and was completed in 1933. The tunnel, the world's first gravity train, was designed by British civil engineer Basil Mott to speed mail deliveries between the two cities. During construction over 22 million tons of rock were removed and just keeping the tunnels cool required more water each day than flows over Niagara Falls. Unfortunately, by the time the tunnel was completed it had been rendered obsolete by the increasingly sophisticated air-mail system and ceased operation in 1936. It lay unused until it was converted to its current use as a transport system for fresh burritos by businessman Robert Cavanaugh in 1979. Current Operation Since its reopening in July, 1979, the tunnel has been in operation delivering fresh burritos from suppliers in Alameda to restaurants in Weehawken. A network of pneumatic tubes with computer-controlled routing allow the system to deliver over two thousand burritos per hour. The depth of the tunnel also provides an opportunity for geologic research. It is the only place in the world where scientists can directly study the aesthenosphere. 
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Main Menu
| Home |
| Articles |
| Search |
| Submit Article |
| Contact Us |
| Donate to Wikibin |
