Barry Railway Wenvoe Tunnel

Opened :1898

Closed : 1964

Engineering code : CTD

Length: 1867 yds

The Wenvoe Tunnel is one of the longest rail tunnels in South Wales being just over one mile long. This twin track tunnel was started in 1888, and full rail services began in 1898. The tunnel is brick lined except for the southernmost 300 yards, where the walls are rough stone.This marks a change in the geology. As the tunnel is cut mainly through limestone, there is considerable calcite buildup on the walls.The tunnel now carries a 1m guage water main and a stream. A 'tidemark' on the walls about 4 feet up would indicate that the tunnel can completely flood after heavy rains.The tunnel is completely straight and has a constant gradient, dipping gently to the north. The northern approach cutting is partially flooded and is private. The tunnel cannot be accessed from Drope Road.There is a single air-shaft half way along. This has been used as a dumping ground and there is a large pile of waste directly below the shaft. The southern portal is fenced across, although the southern approach cutting is flooded and hard to access.

Northern cutting	Northern cutting	North portal	Date stone on north portal
Engineering code, north portal	Southbound, north portal	Northbound	a
Southbound	Southbound	Railwayman's refuge	Calcite buildup
Water main stopcock	Water main stopcock	Iron and calcite buildup	Railwayman's refuge
Drainage	Calcite buildup	Calcite buildup	a
Airshaft	Airshaft	Roof brickwork	Old sleeper
Calcite buildup	Northbound, south portal	Southbound, south portal

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