The Cumberland Gap Tunnel: (Almost?) Touching 3 States In One Tunnel
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- The Cumberland Gap Tunnel: A Marvel of Modern Engineering
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel is a remarkable feat of engineering that seamlessly blends modern infrastructure with the natural beauty of the region. Completed in 1996, this impressive tunnel runs beneath the historic Cumberland Gap, a natural break in the mountains that once served as a vital passageway for early American pioneers.
The construction of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel was an ambitious project aimed at preserving the historical and environmental significance of the Cumberland Gap while improving transportation safety and efficiency. Before the tunnel's construction, U.S. Route 25E, which traversed the gap, was a narrow, winding road fraught with hazards. The tunnel now provides a safe, direct route, significantly reducing travel time and accident risk.
Construction on the project began in 1991. Engineers and construction crews faced the daunting task of boring through the Cumberland Mountain, a process that involved drilling and blasting through solid rock. The tunnel stretches 4,600 feet and consists of twin bores, each accommodating two lanes of traffic. This design ensures a smooth flow of vehicles in both directions, minimizing congestion and delays.
Cumberland Gap Tunnel is also notable for being one of only two tunnels in the United States to begin in one state and end in another, sharing the honor with the East River Mountain Tunnel crossing Virginia and West Virginia. The Cumberland Gap Tunnel crosses begins in Kentucky and ends in Tennessee, or vice versa depending on which way you enter. Some say you even touch on a third state (Virginia) while passing through the tunnel.
Additionally, a visitor center was established to educate the public about the region's cultural and natural history.
The successful completion of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel stands as a testament to innovative engineering and a commitment to preserving America's natural and historical heritage. Today, it not only facilitates efficient transportation but also enhances the visitor experience to this storied region, allowing travelers to explore the same path once tread by Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an engineering aficionado, or simply a traveler passing through, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel is a marvel worth appreciating. It embodies the spirit of progress while honoring the past, ensuring that the legacy of the Cumberland Gap continues to inspire future generations.
Retired trucker. I've driven both ways through the tunnel numerous times, once with a hazmat load. Hazmat drivers have to pull to the right in that pull off right at the start of your video and call the state police who shut the side you're going through completely down, then escort you through. Necessary for safety, but an irritating delay. You mentioned the East River Mountain tunnel and Bluefield. I was born in Welch, WV, about 30 miles west of Bluefield and I spent a year at college in Barbourville, KY, about 60 miles west of Middlesboro. Thanks for the video! Nicely done and pleasant memories.
I had no idea that’s how it worked with hazmat. It makes perfect sense but I can see how that would be annoying for all involved.
From WC, During the 80’s I ran the coal fields for my company. Each time I went over the old Cumberland Gap road I would look over to see what if any progress had happened since my last trip over! It seemed like little to none! I changed Jobs in January of 1991 because the coal industry seemed to be drying up! I was finally able to drive through the tunnel in 1996 I believe, when my in-laws from Germany were visiting and we were out for a Sunday drive from the Johnson City area! I have to tell you I wish we could have had that tunnel 10 to 15 years easily when I had to run the coal fields, it would have saved an hour off of my day and drive, both ways!
I remember before the tunnel was built. Had to take the old crooked road up past Cud-Joes cave and on over into Middlesboro. This takes me back a few years. I did genealogy on my family several years ago and learned that my great Grandfather or maybe it was great-great Grandfather was Captured at Cumberland Gap during the civil war, and was held hostage in Cud-Joes cave until he was moved to Chicago ( along with orher prisoners ). Most of the prisoners died along the way from Cronic Diarea. Well thats the way i read it. I visited his grave site in Chicago in the early 90's. It was a huge tumb with many soldiers buried there. His name was on the roster. I am from Lee County ( where the tunnel starts on the Virginia side ) as was my Grandfather. Last name Rivers.
Real Appalachia, Yay! I liked this video so much, it made me smile!
That’s awesome
Like the tunnel. We always blow our horn going back and forth. Had a car breakdown last summer just before we got to the guard shack and the guards immediately came to our rescue. Got us back on the road quickly. Very nice guys and professional as well. I’m sure they can’t have cars on the shoulder of the road causing a hazard. It’s a very nice area. So much to see and do on that trip also. ❤
A good friend of mine worked on that tunnel. I used to kid him and tell him there was a big billboard just before you entered the tunnel that read (enter at your own risk Joe Smith ""not his real name " helped build this tunnel). He said they hit a pretty big stream of water part of the way through the tunnel and it halted construction until they could find out where the stream came out. He said they dumped dye in the water and it came out in Tennessee on Clinch River just before it dumped into Norris Lake. He said it took awhile for it to show up.
I loved reading that, thanks for the info
That's cool. Thanks
We were just there and absolutely loved it, we cannot wait to go back. We did a couple videos as well. I know we did not come close to seeing everything we wanted to see in the short time we had.
Cool look at the tunnel. Thank you Shane.
Thank you, Robin
Oh my goodness, I love that horn! Simply beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful scenery there. I always loved bridges and tunnels. When I was a kid we would occasionally drive to the other side of New Jersey and cross the Hudson River into NYC. To get into Manhattan there are two tunnels and a bridge to choose from. One of the tunnels is the Lincoln tunnel, which is the one I have been through. It has 3 tubes. The first one to open was in 1937, the next one in 1945, and the next one in 1957. They range in length from 7482 feet to 8216 feet. Sorry. I have an obsession with bridges and tunnels.😂 As much as we've driven through the South, we've never been through any of the tunnels you've shown us. Maybe some day.
I think you’d really enjoy driving through them
Thanks for sharing this video Shane I always wanted to go there. it's on my bucket list to go thu the cumberland cap..thanks again..
You should! It’s a fun trip and a great area
Great video thanks for sharing 👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you 🙏
I haven’t been through that tunnel, we used to go to WV, and TN quite often from NC …
Hope to travel through this in the near future..
If y’all find yourselves in the tri-state area again any time soon, check out the Pinnacle if it’s a clear day. About halfway up the mountain there’s a wayside with a Civil War cannon if that’s something you’d be interested in.
Oh yes, hoping to make it back this week if all goes well, thank you
Hi Folks! How is the family? Did you have a nice Memorial Day? You certainly are in a beautiful area Shane. I have driven through that tunnel once and just loved the beautiful scenery. Thank you for the awesome video. You have a good voice.
yes we had a great memorial day and are off to a great weekend too, so we are very happy
That is a sad horn! I enjoyed the ride! I hadn't been there in years!
@@realappalachia Thank you for your response.
A trip down the old road would be scenic.
It no longer exists. they did a reclamation and tried to replicate what the old trail looked like during Daniel Boone's time at the Gap. It's now a walking trail.
Love your showing this we always had go long way around to Virginia I have bad ears
Glad you enjoyed it
I believe that did happen to me, I was loaded with auto parts in a one of them Mitsubisihi box trucks and I did slam on the brakes. Didn't know that was somethin people just do. I 'dd still slam on the brakes even now knowing, cause I'd be lookin for falling tiles or other obstructions ahead.
Suggestion: find your way to White Mountain in Virginia. The road to the top has a road only a bit wider than one lane with several U turns up the mountain. At the top is a Cemetary. My great great great in-laws built their home there as the first residents until the Jewells took the property as repayment for a loan. A sad history for the more recent generations of the White family. I wonder how the land where their original homesite could be purchased.
I can remember riding across that winding road before the tunnel opened. For some reason I want to say George Allen was there for a ribbon Cutting when it opened. Correct me if I’m wrong.
I’ve heard a lot of things about that winding road being a tough drive to make
Trying to find your newest video like to invite you to the 4th of July celebration here in Hamlin West Virginia
I’ve been everywhere man across the desert bare man I’ve been everywhere 😂😂😂😂😂
What became of the section of road that this tunnel replaced - is it still a local roadway or has it been allowed to deteriorate and go back to nature……???
It no longer exists. They did a reclamation on it & tried to replicate the way the road used to be during Daniel Boone's time at the Gap. It's now a walking trail
🤗
Somebody beep at me in a tunnel, I'dd slam on the brakes, ya seen that person slow down next to ya. they think somethins wrong.
Don't think you touch 3 states in the tunnel
i don't disagree but every time i even mention this tunnel people scream that you do so its hard to say.
Kentucky is Beautiful yes .. They Need Someone in The State Capitol Frankfort KY. To promote The Southeastern part it's Neglected..
@@realappalachia 3 states do come together in that area, it's marked on a hiking trail but the tunnel doesn't touch Virginia