Heathfield Tunnel, Heathfield, East Sussex
Posted by: 
RocketRon47
N 50° 58.183 E 000° 14.965
31U E 306882 N 5650059
Heathfield Tunnel, Heathfield, East Sussex ex London, Brighton and South Coast Railway [LBSCR] later Southern Railway [SR] then British Railways Southern Region [BRSR]
Waymark Code: WM4Q3Q
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/18/2008
Views: 111
Heathfield Tunnel
The tunnel was constructed in the 1870’s to take the London Brighton and South Coast Railway [LBSCR] under the town of Heathfield and into the station which was situated to the south of the High Street and south of the tunnel.
It was on the line that was constructed to run from Eridge in the north, where it joined the main line from Brighton to London, to Polegate in the south where it joined the south coast main line from Hastings to Brighton.
The line was opened on 3rd April 1880, closed to passengers on 14th June 1965 and finally closed to all traffic on 5th August 1968.
The over bridge to the south of the tunnel and to the north of the station is in use whilst the station buildings are now a private residence and retail outlet. The station area itself has disappeared completely under a business park.
The line was known as “The Cuckoo Line” and was named by the railwaymen as legend has it that the first cuckoo of spring was released on 14th April each year from Heathfield Fair.
It was near the tunnel that the first natural gas deposits were found in 1895. In 1896 the railway put this gas to good use and used it to light the station. However, this particular supply only lasted for about six years.
Recently the tunnel and the area surrounding it have been refurbished.
To the south there is a children’s play area including skateboard ramps and to the north a Millennium Green has been created complete with walks, seating and barbeque areas.
The tunnel itself has been fitted with doors at each end, which sometimes, but rarely, need to be shut, and the tunnel has had lighting installed throughout making for a pleasant walk.
The tunnel is in the care of Wealden District Council who carries out the maintenance of the tunnel.
The co-ordinates given above are for the southern portal, this being nearest the station. the north portal is at N 50 58.310 E 00 14.826.
The over bridge to the south of the tunnel is at N 50 58.178 E 00 14.991 and the station buildings at N 50 58.184 E 00 15.008.
More information can be found on www.subbrit.org.uk
Construction: Brick or concrete block
Condition: Good
Rail Status: No
Current status: Recreation Path
Original Use: Passenger Train
The "Other End": N 50° 58.310 E 000° 14.826
Suggested Parking Area: N 50° 58.178 E 000° 14.991
Terrain: 
Website: [Web Link]
Date Built: 1879
Date Abandoned: 1968
Tunnel Length: Not Listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Tell of your visit. Did you find anything of interest? Unique photos are encouraged.