St. Clair Tunnel Construction

This photo from the late 1880's that shows setting up the first shield on the Canadian side of the St. Clair Tunnel while construction was underway.

Tunneling began in the summer of 1889. The shield method of tunnel excavation involves moving a steel shell (shield) through soft earth with hydraulic rams forcing the shield along. The shield protects the tunnel from collapse until the permanent cast iron lining is installed. In August of 1890, the shields from the U.S. and Canadian sides met and were only 1/4 inch out of alignment. The tunnel opened formally on September 19th, 1891 and saw continuous changes where steam locomotives were replaced by electric and later diesel locomotives. By the 1980's the multi-level containers were too tall to fit through the tunnel so CN decided to build a new tunnel. The new tunnel, built just to the north of the older tunnel opened in 1994, after which the older tunnel was sealed.

You can learn more about the St. Clair Tunnel in Lambton Heritage Museum's newly renovated Lambton Gallery, where more photos are displayed alongside artifacts!