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Beneath the murky waters of the River Mersey lies one of Britain’s great engineering triumphs—the Queensway Tunnel. Conceived in the early 20th Century to ease growing traffic congestion between Liverpool and Birkenhead, the project was led by the eminent civil engineer Sir Basil Mott. At over two miles long, it was the world’s longest road tunnel upon completion, and its innovative design prioritized not only strength but also safety—introducing a revolutionary ventilation system to protect motorists from the build-up of exhaust fumes, a critical consideration in the age of combustion engines. Construction began in 1925 and became a monumental task of endurance and ingenuity. More than 1,700 men toiled beneath the riverbed for nearly nine years, enduring backbreaking labor and the ever-present danger of collapse or flooding. To keep air breathable, massive extraction fans and ventilation towers were constructed, setting new standards for tunnel design worldwide. The boring through solid rock and dense clay required precise coordination and engineering bravery, all while ensuring the Mersey’s shipping lanes remained open above. The tunnel was officially opened on 18 July 1934 by King George V and Queen Mary, marking the occasion with a ceremony that drew a crowd of 200,000 people. More than just a passageway, the Queensway Tunnel was a beacon of interwar modernity—symbolizing Britain’s industrial might and forward-thinking spirit. Nearly a century later, it remains an essential link beneath the Mersey, not only connecting two great cities, but also echoing the grit, vision, and craftsmanship of the era that brought it to life. © History Pictures #archaeohistories