Union Canal Tunnel (2024)

FAQs

How long is the Union Canal tunnel? ›

Work began May 1825 and was completed in June 1827, at a total cost of $30,404.29. The tunnel's length was reduced to 600 feet during the canal enlargement in 1858 at a cost of $8,280.00.

The Union Canal Tunnel is the oldest existing transportation tunnel in the United States. According to oral history, George Washington visited the canal diggings in 1792, and then again in 1794, while he was accompanying troops to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania.

The Union Canal is 51km long (28 nautical miles, 31 statute miles) from Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh to just above The Falkirk Wheel. It's a contour canal with only one moving structure (Leamington Lift Bridge in Edinburgh), which can be negotiated by prior arrangement with our Waterway Office.

The length of the canal is thirty miles [48 km], the depth of water 5 feet [1.5 m], and is on one level from Edinburgh to its western extremity, where it falls 110 feet [34 m], in one series of locks, into the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Opened in 1822, the Union Canal was primarily used to transport coal from the central coalfields of Scotland to the capital Edinburgh, to help with the development of the capital. It also formed part of the first 'inter-city' link between Edinburgh and Glasgow, known then as the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal.

After four years' construction it opened in 1822 and was known as the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal. The name reflected the role of the canal, linking Edinburgh with the Forth and Clyde Canal at Falkirk and so providing a through route between Scotland's two major cities.

The canal was divided into four stages and had milestones every half mile, some of which still remain. The commercial life ceased in 1936 and the canal was closed to through navigation in 1965. The canal is unique in being a contour canal.

The Union Canal runs from Edinburgh to Falkirk and was initially conceived with the purpose of moving materials to Edinburgh from the mines and quarries in Lanakshire. Construction started in 1817 by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal Company.

What is the longest tunnel in North America? ›

Longest Tunnel in the USA – Delaware Aqueduct

The Delaware Aqueduct is a part of the New York City water supply system. It was constructed between 1939 and 1945 and carries about half of New York City's water supply. The Delaware Aqueduct is the world's longest tunnel, with a width of 4.1 m and a length of 137 km.

Some have estimated the death toll at 50 but the tally may have been far higher. The original estimate was six years but he project was fraught with problems and opened 17 years later.

Across Scotland

The canal towpath makes up part of the long distance walking route, the John Muir Way. Or you can head along the Union Canal towpath for a city to city walk.

Try this 9.2-km out-and-back trail near Edinburgh, Edinburgh. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 13 min to complete.

Wabash and Erie Canal, America's longest at approximately 460 miles (740 km), linked Lake Erie at Toledo, Ohio with Ohio River at Evansville 1853." After the lock was moved to the Indiana State Museum in 1992, a historical marker was placed at its location (just east of the interchange of I-469 and US-24).