Blackwell Tunnel

[Madasever]

Why was the Blackwell Tunnel built with all those bends in the road? Couldn't they build straight under the Thames?

[Postdog]

When those tunnels were built, there were no cars, just horse drawn carts, etc. By putting bends in, the horse couldn't see daylight, and so reduced the risk of a horse bolting to reach the other end.

[Postdog]

Just as an aside, if you look at the foot tunnels built around the same time, these ARE straight.

[sp1214]

As Postdog says it is to do with prevention of the horses bolting

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/194558 1.stm

[Panic Button]

You'ld get there quicker if the horses bolted!