Mersey Tunnel Celebrates 90th Birthday With Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Written by Harry Turnbull

A sneak behind the scenes view of one of the Mersey tunnels is on offer to mark the 90th anniversary of construction.

At 2.1m long Queensway was the longest road tunnel in the world when it was completed after a nine year programme of works in 1934.

Workers excavated over a million tons of rock beneath the river and seventeen paid with their lives building the Liverpool to Birkenhead route.

But modernisation continues at pace as the tunnel is currently undergoing an £11m redevelopment to make it more energy efficient. Cllr Steve Foulkes, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Transport Committee, commented “For 90 years, the Queensway Tunnel has been connecting both sides of the river and has formed a crucial part of our history, surviving a world war and coping with the surge of engine-powered vehicles.

“It is a prime example of the benefits of devolution. Nearly 100 years ago, after lobbying and a refusal of central government, the local authorities created a joint committee and built the tunnels – an incredible engineering feat that has hugely impacted on the city region from a social and economic perspective since.

“With more than 35,000 vehicles passing through the tunnel each day, maintenance is a priority. Thousands of hours are spent each year, the majority of which overnight, carrying out a vital and rigorous inspection and maintenance routine. In recent years, the Tunnel has seen impressive upgrades including to lighting and road surfaces, which will enhance our journey towards Net Zero.”

Thousands of people looked on as King George V officially opened the tunnel on July 18 1943.

Places on the tours are on a first come, first served basis at George’s Dock Building, Liverpool Pier Head from 10 am on Saturday and Sunday 20th and 21st of July but visits can be booked throughout the year via Merseytravel. Visitors will see the underground works that serve the tunnel.

To learn more, visit https://www.liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.uk/