Southampton Civic Centre Tunnel

Southampton Civic Centre Tunnel is a railway tunnel beneath the Civic Centre in the centre of the Hampshire city of Southampton, in England. Opening in August 1847, [http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cj.tolley/cjt-brhl.htm] , its construction linked the stations of Southampton Terminus and Southampton West End (later moved and now known as Southampton Central). The construction of the Southampton and Dorchester Railway linked London through Southampton to towns further west, such as Poole and Dorchester. The through link also accelerated the expansion of Bournemouth.

Construction and operating problems

Geological problems plagued the construction and delayed its opening. They continue to cause problems: between 1983 and 1985 the tunnel underwent extensive engineering works, and the line through it was worked as a single line for long periods, while remedial work was carried out. [http://johnlawontherails.fotopic.net/p24608893.html] . A narrow gauge railway was set up as part of these works.

ervices using the tunnel

The tunnel is mostly used by trains on the South Western Main Line, with trains from Portsmouth on the Wessex Main Line and the local line from Portsmouth to Southampton also passing through. The local train from Totton to Romsey also uses the tunnel. The longest journeys for passengers are made by the routes from Bournemouth to various points in the north of England and Scotland, usually grouped under the banner of Cross Country services.

There is also extensive use for freight, most of which is containers for Southampton Container Terminals which lie to the west of Southampton Central, near Millbrook station.

The future

Recent debate has ensued over the width of the tunnel [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060524/text/60524w0028.htm] in order to take larger containers to the container terminals it will have to be enlarged and this will result in the closure of the line through the tunnel for an extensive period in December 2009.

Film

Footage at the start of the film Oh, Mr Porter! features the tunnel at Southampton, filmed from the rear of the train and reversed for showing. [http://www.britmovie.co.uk/forums/location-location-location/2502-railway-station-oh-mr-porter.html]