logo

Meramec Highlands Tunnel

Abandoned Tunnel Under Sunset Hill
Kirkwood, St. Louis County, Missouri

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Meramec Highlands Tunnel
Built By St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco)
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By City of Kirkwood
Length 475 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Superstructure Type Bored and Lined Tunnel
Date Built 1883
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Tunnel Has Been Bypassed)
Current Status Abandoned
Bridge Number Unknown
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date June 2016


This historic tunnel was built when the Frisco built their own line into Saint Louis, but was inevitably abandoned when the Frisco created a bypass in 1929.
The tunnel is a short structure, only 475 feet total. It contains brick and stone features. These include a brick lining inside the tunnel. The exterior has been constructed of stone.
Presently, the tunnel is a deteriorated condition, although a nature trail which leads to the east portal is open. These portals have been sealed off with gates and brick.
Fortunately, the tunnel has been at least partially preserved. It is a landmark in the City of Kirkwood.

The author ranks this bridge as moderately significant, because it is a good example of a well preserved historic structure.
The photo above is an overview. The author hopes to get more photos soon.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Date Stone
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele