Adrodd fel Amhriodol
Testun Gwreiddiol (Anodiad: EAW223251 / 2123371)
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The eastern portal of the Thames and Medway canal, opened on the 14th October 1824. With a length of 2.2 miles (3.5 km) the tunnel is said to be the second longest in the country, but the largest in terms of width, 21.5 feet (6.6 metres) at the waterline plus 5 feet (1.5 metres) for the tow path, with a height of 35 feet (10.7 metres) from the canal bed to the peak of the arch. The water depth was 8 feet and the canal was built to accommodate Thames sailing barges, not canal narrow boats.
Per Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_and_Medway_Canal):
'From 1845 the newly built railway between Gravesend and Strood shared the tunnel with the canal, a single track resting partially on the towpath and partially on wooden stakes in the water... In 1846 the canal company sold the tunnel to the South Eastern Railway company, which filled the canal and laid a double railway track over it. This was part of the North Kent Line. The canal towing contractor's home was converted into the ticket office for Higham railway station...fears of a chalk fall, however, were not unfounded. Over the years, there have been many roof falls, most small. But in December 1999 a fall near Strood derailed a train, fortunately without causing serious injuries (but leaving a hole in the ground in an orchard). Some 60% of the tunnel had by this date been lined: in 2004 it was closed to line the remainder and renew the track, reopening a year later on 17 January 2005.'
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