Abandoned Railway Tunnels. Manchester

[@Pob76]

Hi Martin, Changed a great deal over the years ,I’m actually surprised you managed to find a section that is explorable. Good Job. The junction in the photo showing the roof of the signal box is actually ‘Throstles nest junction (south), my brother worked the signal box between 1958 when he came out of the army until 1963.( He served his time as train register boy just up the track in the Trafford park box on the Manchester/Liverpool line. ) He was 10 years older than me so at 11 years old I would cycle from home in withington to spend some quality time ‘brother bonding’. To get a proper feel for the location ,the wall to the right ,has on the other side ,Boyer street ,still extant today .the picture shown here is looking south towards Chorlton as you alluded to, and subsequently London. The one branching to the right of the signal box is heading through a tunnel curving onto the line heading west to Liverpool and the left hand tracks through a tunnel and curving onto the Manchester Central main line. Both curving under the Chester road. The tunnel ahead is passing under Talbot road.So here’s the thing, I’m thinking where you were, since you went through to where you could see the metro tram, it must have been beyond Talbot road tunnel since this entire junction is buried all the way up to the brick wall and parapet. It looks like a car park and car sales business now looking at it on Google Earth.

[@leopold7562]

Rather you than me, mate! I could feel my claustrophobia prickling me just watching this, and I can guarantee I'd have smacked my head off the tunnel roof at least twice! I'd love for you to do more of these as it's fascinating to see just how much of our old rail infrastructure has been carved up over the years. There's an old line near me, the Micklehurst Loop, which is now mostly a bridal path, but apparently there's remnants of the old tunnel that ran under the Royal George, which I've never managed to find and, even if I did, there's no way I'd attempt to go in it! I'm fascinated by urban exploration - again, not something I'm brave enough to tackle myself, but I do love seeing these clues to what used to be there. Couple that with the fact that you're doing this in my home town makes your videos pretty much required viewing. I'm very selective over what I subscribe to, but I'm definitely subbing your channel purely for the nature and quality of your content. Please keep it up.

[@extrude22]

I grew up in Chorlton in the 90’s. The stations on this line closed when Manchester central closed in 1968. But the line was used as a freight only line up until 1988 I believe. This meant that freight trains could access the Trafford park terminal without having to go through the city centre, which is something Network Rail wishes they could still do. By the time the line closed for good it was just a single track. The track was lifted in about 1990. Throstles Nest Junction itself would have survived until about 1993 when Bridgewater Way was built.

[@photobillyexplores]

martin your living my dream pal!! love the old victorian engineering so beauitfully built its criminal there all left that way! totaly addicted to you videos top work

[@hongkongphooey78]

Strangeways prison is also a great example of Victorian engineering and brickwork.

[@jim8202]

I just subscribed to your channel purely on seeing this video. I am another train driver who regularly sees various disused tunnels, tracks, bridges and places where bridges used to be, sites of depots and goods yards etc. and to see vids like this with old pics and maps to refer to is very interesting and when other people who remember how it used to be add comments the whole thing comes to life again. Keep up the good work please but also please do it safely by investing in some protective clothing, hard hat, gloves etc. Dust in Tunnels can be the result of all sorts of nasty materials dumped in them and your lungs dont want that dust in them so use dust masks too matey !!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Jim thanks very much for watching and subscribing. I bet you see another world on the tracks like you say of disused tunnels and tracks that go to nowhere. I hear what your saying about safety and your right. 👍

[@GeraldineJayne]

Just wow! I don't know what it is about seeing abandoned railways...they fascinate me so much. I can't help but think of all the labor that has gone into it all, only for it to be abandoned. It's changed so much, looking at those photos, that it's like a different world. Thanks so much for another fantastic video!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Geraldine, yes love stuff like this. couldn't even explain the photos Geraldine as the change is so profound. Couldn't even get my bearings with the photo's

[@garfstiglz3981]

Disgusting the way local authorities filled old railway tunnels and cuttings with garbage in the past. It’s almost architectural vandalism. Another brilliant video Martin. I love the way you intersperse archive footage with modern imagery.

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed

[@simonvazquez6751]

Those tunnels were not filled in until 1992. I distinctly remember walking the line from Firswood all the way through the to the Liverpool mainline junction near old Trafford football stadium on a hot July day first day of six weeks school holidays 1991

[@auntiejingles3905]

You're brave to go through them tbem tunnels! Definitely more eerie than when you've been exploring the river tunnels and culverts. Its great to see these abandoned places from the angle that you dare to visit. Well done!

[@MartinZero]

Hello Auntie hope your well. Yes they were a bit eerie specially the blocked tunnel. Good explore though I enjoyed it 👍

[@RiojaRoj]

In two minutes you took me back 50 oddd years..... christ ! where did the time go. That's when this country was the engine room of the world. Nostalgia eh ..... its not what it used to be ! : -) thanks for reminding me how old I am : (

[@carlhenshall5604]

I love the way you mix in a bit of the past with the present to give us a better idea how it would of looked ;)

[@MartinZero]

Cheers, thank you. Yeah I loved that old map 👍

[@AnonAnonAnon]

10 out of 10 for that video! We'd be none the wiser what was inside without this. Historical stuff.

[@richdiscoveries]

Really cool explore my friend, thank you for sharing

[@tonyhumphreys9127]

I live near where you filmed this great video Martin, I'm going to take a look myself at the disused tunnels. Thanks for uploading.

[@MartinZero]

Ok Tony let me know how you go on

[@jaycee7594]

A superb video. (as always) There is something fascinating about old dissused railway cuttings and tunnels and Manc is full of them. Keep up the good work mate

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much, yeah I love this stuff 👍

[@daveconyard8946]

be carefull mate in the 80's they might have been filled whith asbestos waste etc

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Dave 👍

[@jessewilson8676]

Was thinking the same thing often it was put in cement

[@Saviliana]

Nah, they won't have asbestos in there, since they do not needed to insulate the material nor envoirment for the tunnels.

[@AcornElectron]

Saviliana he meant in the material used to fill it up. Waste cement and board often got thrown in with hardcore before regulation tightened up.

[@AcornElectron]

That’s almost definitely correct. Soon as he said it’s dry and you can see the dust in the air I immediately thought asbestos waste.

[@SlshrX]

Not usually my kinda video but great to see the history of my home town. Shame so many things get ruined.

[@RingwayManchester]

Very interesting stuff mate! It's amazing how deep that infill is! I'd love to see underneath, I wonder if there's still tracks? That old map is amazing too! I'd love to see that Botanical Garden and the Blind Asylum, crazy how things change!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah I wondered if the old tracks were still there 👌

[@bobjackson6524]

Im sure there must be maps showing the great art exhibition too. Truly fascinating

[@tonyc360]

tunnels were used some 30 years back for the freightliner traffic from Trafford Park to the port of Felixstowe and Southampton

[@leeetchells609]

We walked through disley tunnel as kids. It runs from hazel grove to disley, two miles under the country side!. The train came when we were half way through! We ran an hid in the navy recess while the train passed. Crazy things you do as kids!

[@MartinZero]

Brilliant though

[@MotorbikeHamster]

Captivated. New subscriber here. Never been to Manchester but your ability to tell a the story in such a way it brings it to life.

[@terryansell6641]

Thank you from New Zealand very interesting as usual so pleased I can watch you videos here in KZbin

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Terry

[@magiccat4316]

This was originally part of the London route from Central station. The line was originally built with space on the eastern line for two more tracks. It was left in place and used for freight trains until the mid 80s. I remember seeing an occasional train. I was a local councillor and recall the report about filling in the tunnels. I think it was for safety and to prevent the tunnels collapsing at some point. I did ask about restricting any future use of the lines and was reassured that the Metrolink would not be affected.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Phil interesting stuff. The annoying thing is I am old enough to have seen it in use but alas never did. Very tucked away and a nice little find

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Good morning Martin, not sure whether you know or not but there is another long since buried railway tunnel in Audenshaw, that not many people know about. If you stand on the railway bridge on Stamford Road in Audenshaw and face South towards Denton Station, you wil see the line coming up from the station. Back in the early 60's this line split into 3 directions, 1 -To your right going around the reservoir bank and on to Ashton Snipe pit, Ashton Moss Junction anfd Droylesden. 2 - Centre track went to Ashton Guide Bridge Station and beyond. 3 - To your left, down a grade and into a tunnel where it exited in the Tame Valley behind the Brother UK factory, and on to Stalybridge Station. Most of this track was on elevated brickwork and crossed King Street , Dukinfield above the River Tame bridge, which is the Lancashire/ Cheshire border. Dukinfield Station was located about 300 yards West of this crossing. Above the last tunnel entrance I just mentioned, (at the Stamford Road end) is now a green belt. Back in the 60's there used to be a massive brickworks on the site and also a hat manufacturer between Stamford Road bridge and Guide Bridge Station. At one point in time there used to be 5 railway stations within 2 miles of each other, with 4 different railway companies. These stations were :- 1 - Ashton Charlestown (still in use), 2 - Ashton Guide Bridge (still in use), 3 - Ashton Park Parade (long time gone), 4 - Ashton Oldham Road (long time gone) and 5 - Dukinfield Station (long time gone). Okay Martin, theres some research you don't have to do if you ever video that tunnel. If there is anything else you want to know, just ask.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Kenneth thanks very much for that. Wonder if there is access to the tunnel ?

[@kennethainsworth1716]

Martin Zero . Not sure, its been so long since I was there. Theres a small housing development there as well. I think you can still see the downgrade from the 3-way junction to the tunnel. Ken.

[@nickindroy]

I had a look at this one and the only was I could see in, was to dig down to the top of the arch, over wall on Mount Pleasant Street! The other end is totally filled and I can't see any breathers although you'd think there had to be somewhere. goo.gl/maps/LrbAvHPjuw82

[@antsuxx]

Think that was called Hooly Hill line ,your right small estate at other end where the line approached Denton Junction.

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

Great video, nicely put together and good bit of background research too. Left me feeling really sentimental thinking of childhood train journeys as well as watching the trains go by in the distance from my grandparents' flat. Also, glad the deadly cave spiders didn't get you and you survived to explore another day!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Dave, Those Cave spiders 🙄

[@RingwayManchester]

I'd say the dust in the open tunnel is caused by wind rushing through kicking up dust, as you said, the blocked one wasn't dusty so might be the reason

[@Urbexy]

Well done again. Your use of maps make these videos make sense to people who don't know the area. Very often backfilling like this served two purposes. Filling in the tunnel and getting rid of rubbish.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much. Yeah I love the maps. Must have took some filling

[@Nathan.Manchester]

Like no.21 - wow your videos are always interesting and informative - but yet not booring - your the best youtuber in Manchester- keep up the good work 👋👋

[@MartinZero]

Thanks so much Nathan 👍much appreciated

[@craigberesford726]

Martin Zero have you guys tried Hyde falls in Tameside there is a small snippet on KZbin??

[@mikecawood]

Great photos at the end.

[@VanessaScrillions]

I love your videos, thanks for posting!

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Stephanie

[@agentbertram4769]

Lovely video, sliding back in time to when this country was far more industrial. You were getting quite a work out scrabbling through the tunnels. Well done that man!

[@MartinZero]

I remember it was a hot sweaty day

[@brearleydavid2194]

Top class ...presentation, music, content......well done Martin...and your support team.

[@wolfd89]

Amazing how well preserved the brickwork on the ceiling is. Its a shame these spaces aren't used, especially how centrally located the tunnels are. thanks for sharing.

[@paul80738073]

Everybody needs to start sharing your video's Martin and your channel you deserve more for what you do always a pleasure watching your vids with the family and watching them at weekends with mates over a beer brilliant videos

[@MartinZero]

Hi Paul. thank you very much. Really appreciate that 👍😃

[@paul80738073]

Martin Zero next time you do a video please can you consider bringing me along im well into the stuff you do and I'm in Middleton

[@MartinZero]

Ok, Message me on Facebook Martin Zero 👍🏼

[@jamie7056]

Thanks for making and sharing,fascinating stuff.Love the old maps and photos as well👍

[@MartinZero]

Hi Mike thanks very much. Yeah that map is incredible 👍

[@davidroberts9477]

Another cracking video Martin, really interesting, Manchester seems to be tunnels after tunnels, canals, hidden complicated infrastructure, its astounding, youve probably got loads to discover yet, your a natural mate, and you back everything up with pictures, facts, and the comments on the threads can also be very informing, people are really enjoying your and the crews work. 1000 plus views in 2 days ! :)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David. Yes I was pleased with the views. Good figures for me. There is no crew just me or me and a mate 😀Yes I think there is so much more yet to find. Thanks again David

[@Pob76]

I half expected to see my brothers name on that last photo then I realized he joined the crew in 1958 . Incredible information ,number of levers in the frame, all the train activity etc.

[@markanthony4655]

Hi Martin, a great video and a pleasure to watch as usual. Keep them coming.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Mark 👍

[@clagfest]

The line used to take you round to Fairfield, and was used by container trains from Trafford Park to Felixstowe and Southampton till the late 80's. The occasional Sheffield bound passenger train also used it on a Sunday, when the more direct route through Ashburys was closed for engineering work. Trains would continue through Guide Bridge, then south east through Romiley, and onto New Mills Central, then over the Pennines. Network Rail would kill to have that bit of track back these days. Running lengthy container trains through Deansgate, Oxford Rd and Piccadilly is an operational nightmare, when trying to thread them between the numerous passenger trains. Great video by the way 😎

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Clagfest that was good info I bet they massively regret closing it 👍

[@neilbain8736]

Piccadilly can be fun as they trundle slowly, heavily and noisily past. It's like watching a strobe. They're so long sometimes. I wonder how far to Oxford Rd. they reach.

[@clagfest]

I have known in the past for the loco to be halfway down the platform at Piccadilly, whilst the back of the train is in Oxford Road. The gradient between the two stations is surprisingly steep, and a restart at Piccadilly can be quite entertaining, as the loco will thrash for all its worth, as it tries to restart the heavy train.

[@pascalomathghamhna4883]

I bet there was a few carriages from Kelloggs!!

[@calorgaz]

Excellent work yet again Martin. Not just an explore but you get the history as well, that is what sets you above most of the other urban explorers. btw, that infill under the bridge looked like building rubble, probably from the old sidings buildings so could contain asbestos fibres, keep safe.

[@MartinZero]

Hello, thank you very much. I wish I had gone closer to that infill because I think it was at the old tunnel entrance. But hey ho am not going back in 😀

[@TheHajokerha]

Another fantastic video thanks again Martin!

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@brendankershaw2808]

Hi Martin., This line continued from Throstle Nest junction through Chorlton, Didsbury Heaton Mersey Cheadle Heath and on up to Buxton and Matlock. It was the old Manchester to London Midland main line through the Peak district.. Cheers...Brendan.

[@ianr]

Hi Martin. I am a newcomer to your videos, just wanted to say they are excellent and of great interest to me. Please keep up the good work! Much appreciated!

[@MartinZero]

Ian thank you for commenting. Glad you found the channel. You are very welcome

[@martinusher1]

(First tunnel) -- Midland main line, Manchester Central to London St. Pancras. Line went out throught Chedale Heath, Disley, Chapel, Matlock and Derby. Closed in 1968 but the loop through Levenshulme to Gorton was kept open throught the 80s for fright.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Martin. 👌

[@owenrawlinson6482]

Fantastic video....especially as I work at Soapworks just across the way from Panoma and this area...constantly amazed about the hidden places you explore that are hiding in plain sight. Good work...looking forward to the next video!

[@MartinZero]

Hi Owen, thanks very much, yeah Soapworks isn't that far from the tunnels. Whats in that building Ive seen it loads of times ?

[@owenrawlinson6482]

Today one half is the Home Office and the other half with the Boilerhouse is TalkTalk. Obviously back in the day it was the Colgate Palmolive Soap factory just on Ordsall lane. From the 4th floor we get fantastic views of the developing Manchester skyline and the building works that have just started on Ponoma as well as all the disused docks on the Ship Canal.

[@Naparky1]

Amazing! I've always wondered where those tunnels went to when I'm driving on the East Didsbury line

[@MartinZero]

Oh yeah you drive Trams don't you. Now you know 😃

[@volvos60bloke]

Great video, thank you for making and sharing it. Worth wearing at least a PP3 level mask down there though, they're relatively inexpensive! :)

[@BestUserNameUK]

Hi Martin. Do you know about the tunnel that went from Liverpool St. in Salford, under Ordsall, to Salford Docks?

[@g1fsh]

Hi Martin that was a cracking video. I couldn't have done that lol to claustrophobic for me. I reckon Lewis won't be sorry he missed out on that one with all the cave spiders about hahaha

[@MartinZero]

Hi Gary, yeah Lewis and his spider fear lol. I dont like em to be honest. Cheers 😀

[@g1fsh]

Martin Zero Iv got to admit I'm the same Martin lol

[@funkyduckproductions.8844]

Two thoughts come to mind. 1. Why can't they be cleared and used for a dry shelter for the homeless? 2. As people have said there may be dangerous gasses / fibres etc in those tunnels. Perhaps you should invest in a RC buggy with a GoPro attached?

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Love your work. They sure made the Alexandra Rd ...at Muldreth Rd one nice. I sure miss it. Well done.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Patty 😃

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

@@MartinZero your very welcome it's good to see places I love and the stories behind them.

[@brianmoore7910]

Great video as always Martin I'd like to see abit of history about the people who dug the Manchester canals that would be interesting 👍

[@MartinZero]

I'll put it on the list Brian and thank you

[@kaybishop3674]

Love theses videos wish you was my history teacher back in the days ,learn d more from your videos lol 👍

[@MartinZero]

Hi Kay. Thanks very much. History teacher ? I better get some Cords and a sensible jumper 😆👍

[@TheUrbanCollectiveWeFilmIt]

Really enjoying these vids dude great history's and extremely well-edited nice one pal.

[@MartinZero]

Hello, thank you very much 👍

[@jammydodger1982]

It was a freight line in the 80`s before it shut down,as I frequently heard it as a kid st hildas primary on the border of Stretford Chorlton. part of the original line is now the metro link line leading towards Chorlton/Didsbury

[@mikeosinski50]

Hell from the other side of the pond in USA. Great videos 👍Love seeing all the stuff you finding well done.

[@texhow1]

Another great video Martin, I worked at the side of the Chorlton loop & as always had a look in an old A - Z book I always carried what I couldnt figure out was at the side of the track there was a line that was listed as the Thirlmere Aquaduct, as I explored it was a cast iron pipe that I remembered shown at Reddish Lane & Hyde Rd, I believe it was a Drinking water supply that joined Debdale Reservoirs from the Lake District, it ended in the A - Z near the docks at Salford, I have seen videos on tv of this pipeline but it was shown as a stone tube, so somewhere it must change into the Cast iron version, I dont know if you came across this pipeline as it followed the railway line all the way from Salford to Hyde Rd Martin, keep up your Videos Martin, I always look forward to seeing your latest Travels.

[@MartinZero]

Hello Terry and thank you. Yes I have seen Thirlmere aqueduct on a map also. 96 miles of pipeline I think, not sure if its a pipe or a tunnel ?

[@moosey62]

Very interesting. Cheers Martin. Makes me feel a bit sad and angry how such a lot of work is just abandoned, Loved the slide show at the end of your movie.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Matt 👍

[@moosey62]

Martin mate I see your project as urban potholing. A bit risky but far lass mental - and far more interesting! - than crawling into cracks in the earth. You lads need some decent wet suits I reckon! Dunno what kind of footwear you can get for your tasks. Thanks again Martin

[@garys4756]

I've just subscribed to your channel keep up the good work

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much 👍

[@derekfox5510]

Great Video Martin, you certainly put the hard graft in for this one.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Derek, yeah I did have a sweat on 😓

[@PaulaXism]

15:27 .. Boyer St looking towards Chester Rd .. Ivy Soap Works on the horizon :D Next pic.. same location opposite direction.. from Chester Rd 4th one.. other way from Chester Rd towards Pomona 5th same signal box in the hole from other Chester Rd bridge

[@danieltoth-nagy5097]

The road with the "little" double decker is Chester Road where it meets with City road, and is an East-West direction map.

[@exploringwithAshB]

Awesome video as usual 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Ash, it was a bit tucked away mate

[@mileshigh1321]

Christ! I thought you where going to find a dead body at end of second tunnel lol Thanks for sharing more history!

[@RM-io7qo]

Another good one and with spiders too, nice...Take care...

[@MartinZero]

Think all those spiders are now making their way into my living room

[@simonrichards6739]

‘The throstle’s nest’ was the pub we always used to drink in before United games, it clicks now that the names are connected!

[@stevelong6358]

Great stuff martin.thanks..

[@paul80738073]

Another brilliant video as always

[@MartinZero]

Thanks very much Paul

[@brucenichols9153]

Excellent, well done

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Bruce

[@Kikilang60]

Some aspects of the rail industry is dying in the United States. The tracks are abandon, and rail tunnel sit idle. The tourist industry started to use these lines, and tunnels. Some failed lines are controled by dying old men who can't stand that the world has changed. They won't sell the lines, they won't let other people use the lines. All they do is destroy everything they can put their hands on. Right now tunnels are being blown up, and other stuctures are being torn down. For what reason other than hate, and spite.

[@Uftonwood2]

Six seconds of a man crawling through a railway tunnel should be too much, but you made 16 minutes of absorbing and interesting video. Thanks and well done.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks 👍

[@lockout1bikes]

Great video yet again Martin if I am not mistaken building on viaduct was white city motorcycles when I was a kid. There was also a dog track where botanical gardens was frontage is still there if you look. Bringing back lots of memories with these videos of my youth oh to go back!

[@MartinZero]

Hello, yeah Ive seen the frontage from White city. So it was a dog track after it was Botanical gardens ? Thanks glad you like the vid and oh yes to be able to go back 🙂👍

[@NikEastwood161]

there was a stockcar track at white city too

[@ChorltonM21]

When I was a kid in the 1960s I lived just by the disused signal box in Chorlton cum Hardy. One day I "acquired" a signalmans log book out of this building. As I remember the log was full of entries mentioning Throstles Nest, Guide Bridge, Cornbrook etc.

[@MartinZero]

Wow thats great. Have you still got the book ?

[@raymondj8768]

another great video this is why i love Briton they have so much history ! have you ever seen IKS exploration? they do all military history in Briton . anyway great job keep it up !

[@MartinZero]

Hello Raymond many thanks. I think I do know of IKS exploration 👍

[@sputumtube]

Really interesting - thanks for posting.

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Paul

[@RsCastleCrew]

Thanks for posting ;-)

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Phil

[@AndysDiary]

Great video dude! Great to learn about the local history loved it

[@MartinZero]

Hi Andy thanks very much. Yeah love the history 👍

[@AndysDiary]

Martin Zero your welcome buddy. Yeah man I love history and especially love learning about the local history

[@wadmiltilt9344]

Congratulations on another brilliant exposition. I wonder whether there is any potential for exploration of the Clifton Hall tunnel. This is quite near to where I live. It's known locally as ' the Black Harry ' and became famous in 1953 when two houses collapsed into it, killing 5 people . It was originally on the L & Y Railway and was closed before the war and my father who was on the footplate with L & Y from 1920' s must have gone through it many times.

[@mana3735]

You can see the gap on Temple Drive where the house used to be on google maps. I've always wondered about that tunnel.

[@thunderer08]

Clifton hall tunnel was back filled by miners after the collapse and the cuttings leading to it filled in too, nothing to explore sadly

[@burnsyboy2007]

Martin there's an abandoned train tunnel near where I live in Wales called the 'Merthyr Tunnel'. It was built in the 1850's and closed 110 years later in the 1960's. It's entrance was partially bricked up. It goes about 1.5 miles in and it's under a massive mountain mate, it's nuts, about 700 feet at it's deepest point. It's quite wide at the bricked-up entrance but the further you get in the narrower it becomes, just enough room to fit the one train. There's cabins and man sized holes built in the walls for the tunnel workers to take cover from the trains. It takes about 40 minutes to walk through. You'd love it.

[@MartinZero]

Sounds amazing. I'd love to see that. We have one up here called Stanedge tunnel sounds very similar. Can you get access into the tunnel near you ?

[@garysimpson3900]

Another great article. I have come to this in 2022 so 4 years after posting. Looking on the current Google Map & the "Side by side geoforeference" website map 1892-1914 the latter shows an open area with lines branching in a Y shape with SB (signal box) in the centre of the Y as you explain. The 2022 Google map shows the area is now the car park for the Audi workshop accessed from Boyer St. I assume the area was filled in & the Audi premises built since you were there in 2018?

[@josedasilva8924]

Fantastic!!

[@xxxyorks]

Very interesting, good vid

[@MartinZero]

Thank you

[@snowmanbuzzfm]

Wow I’m a little late to the party...but me and my friends used to write graffiti in these tunnels in the mid 80s. This was our stomping ground. We also crawled through as you did after they were filled in. It was right opposite Chester house (the old police headquarters) so we always had to be careful. I remember freight trains would occasionally stop in the cutting and the trailers would get a little paint too 😂. We also used to ‘explore’ white city stadium just behind it. The old stock car track/greyhound track where the retail park sits now. Great times! Just near where the sidings used to be was where we went to collect old Victorian bottles when we were kids too. There was loads of them down there and coins and pottery. Wow great video. Took me right back.

[@MartinZero]

Good little hidden place isnt it

[@snowmanbuzzfm]

@@MartinZero Hi Martin good to meet you. Yes it’s funny actually...I watched one of your videos about the northern quarter a while back and I shared it with a few friends...then months later...quite at random I end up on your channel again while googling the very same tunnels! Brilliant videos btw...thanks for taking the time out to make them. Snow.

[@GSIBOSS]

Land where the sidings were used to have a couple of car scrapyards (Grestys) on it back in the 70/80s, My Nan used to live next to the railway line at Fallowfield, used to watch the freight trains going past. Good videos cheers

[@MartinZero]

Thanks Steve 👍

[@johnhollingsworth3264]

In the early mid nineties we used to lift the cobbles up on the site of grestys scrap yard and dig for old Victorian bottles the whole area is the rubbish dump for Manchester circa 1880s also known as Trafford bank

[@outsidethepyramid]

15:30 I think that's the tunnel entrance to your second tunnel that was blocked and that's Henshaw's Institution for the Blind on the right on Boyer Street

[@PaulHowarth-p6s]

The throstle nest bridge over the canal you see Martin standing in front of. Was made were i worked in 1990 , Newtown Boiler co/ Newton fabrication co. Wigan.

[@brianrobertson1105]

It was just freight in the 80s, Martin. We worked trains from Trafford Park to Dewsnap, near Guide Bridge, where they were sorted for other destinations. But it was also a link that the Freightliners took to avoid blocking up Piccadilly station.

[@MartinZero]

Ahh thank you Brian, I wondered what its use was in the 80's. Thank you so much

[@tsangpogorge]

would be really useful today also, its ridiculous that freight trains have to cross the extremely busy Deansgate viaduct.

[@MartinZero]

Id love to see it open

[@mikeede49]

Another really good video Martin keep up the good work. Regarding the White City site I remember exploring the deserted stadium there just before it was demolished,that was well creepy with wind whistling through the empty spaces.

[@MartinZero]

Hi Mike, yes was it some kind of stadium/ racing venue after it was Botanical gardens ? You did a bit of urban exploring there ?

[@mikeede49]

Martin Zero The stadium was mainly used for dog racing although in the early years it was also used to stage speedway. There were occasional athletic meetings held and I think it ended up as a stock car venue.

[@marshaktboy]

I have a geocache placed here as I used to watch the stock cars there years ago - there is a link to a youtube clip giving some more info - this was quite an impressive site in it's day! www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC3B1FF_long-lost-tracks-2

[@chrismccartney8668]

Superb Video again i am surprised at the amount derelict land you find that area by pomona and the wharves you would think would have been redeveloped in Retaling or perhaps warehousing and distribution as many areas like that in London Docklands have been reused so much so that ut feels everywhere will soon be covered apart from the Olymoic Park..

[@tharkthax3960]

Picked this video at random. Love it! I used to explore tunnels when I was younger. Why did they have to fill the tunnels in? No doubt my question been answered in the comments. Look forward to watching more of your fascinating videos 👍

[@MartinZero]

Thank you very much glad you enjoyed it. Regards martin

[@robertdavies3460]

I might be wrong but the photograph at the end with the arches being built looks like the Irlam Ship Canal viaduct. There are arches on either side of the main span. The river Mersey had to be channelled across an aqueduct while the canal was dug. Like I say though, I could be wrong.

[@HenrysAdventures]

Brilliant video! Really enjoyed the tunnel explore. Shame to think they could replace botanical gardens with a retail park!

[@MartinZero]

Cheers Henry

[@Teddystream.]

Your blocked off tunnel is at the far side od Chester road at the car park of Audi

[@davidwaterhouse2552]

Really interesting stuff cheers

[@MartinZero]

Thanks David 👍

[@johngoy9375]

Nice one Martin - I ask and you deliver. I worked round there on and off for a while and was always interested in the castellated parapets - my own adventure was sofa based using google and associated maps. This stuff is so super interesting. Look up Black Harry’s Tunnel in Swinton. An interesting story for sure as was this... keep em coming buddy...

[@MartinZero]

Black Harry's tunnel ?? that sounds interesting

[@brizeys3128]

Another great video Martin. The line to South Manchester would have been what is now the ‘Fallowfield loop line’

[@MartinZero]

Ahh ok yes that makes sense thanks Brian 👍

[@raithwilson6845]

Hi Martin love your work.Have you taken a look at the Morley tunnel near leeds.Its I believe a live tunnel but it runs right under industry and a housing estate.There is a huge vent on the housing estate right next door to a family home.Could be interesting

[@MartinZero]

Sounds good Raith

[@thetruth7633]

Great stuff, nice to see what it looked like back in the days. UK and France are great to find these places. In The Netherlands all is demolished..

[@MartinZero]

Hello thank you. Are you from the Netherlands ?

[@thetruth7633]

Martin Zero Correct! Not much Urbex here sadly..

[@MartinZero]

Thats a shame. Do you Urbex yourself ? Do you travel to do it ?

[@Sternvogel007]

What a nice Video! I wonder why these old tunnels were filled nearly complete? We do have a lot of old abandoned railway tunnels in Germany too but I've never seen a filled one here. Greetings from Germany!

[@darkdaylightnight6179]

Loving the vids mate! And you've recently been smashing the view. Go on lad! Would love it if you researched the Fallowfield loop. Used to be a freight line until the 80's. Also Hough End Hall in Chorlton, it's underground tunnel and how Chorlton Park path used to be its approach road but is now blockeed by a 70's office block. Also Hough End fields I belive used to be ancient woodland. Check it out!

[@MartinZero]

Yeah be good to do that

[@jamesbraithwaite478]

It was originally a BR passenger line between Altrincham and Deansgate before Metrolink took over in 1990. I believe it also linked up towards Irlam and Heatley from Skelton Junction (in Timperley where I live).

[@MartinZero]

Thanks James

[@chrisgel1]

Nice video Martin. Your second photo at the end is where the tunnel goes under Chester Rd. The building to the right is Henshaws Institute for the Blind. The Audi car park that you mention would be on the left and was the site of the original home of the Traffords before they moved to Wickleswick Hall in Trafford Park.

[@MartinZero]

Ahh thats great thank you. I have heard of that Institute for the blind, has it been demolished now. It helps as with those photo's I am very disorientated

[@chrisgel1]

Yes Martin it was demolished in the 60's. I have some aerial photo's of the area that might help. I assume that you got down to the tunnels through the shaft off Talbot Road. This area is quite important for the history of Stretford and has been photographed quite extensively.

[@MartinZero]

Great any pics you have much appreciated