In 1864, the Victoria Dock passed to the London &
St. Katherine Dock Company, which, in 1880, opened the Albert Dock
as an easterly extension of the Victoria; it was joined to the latter
by a short cut. It was again necessary to divert the North Woolwich
line and an 1875 Act gave the dock company powers to divert the
loop line through a tunnel under the cut between the two docks.
This was known as the Connaught Tunnel.
Photo:The
southern approach cutting to the Connaught Tunnel looking north
Photo by Nick
Catford
Photo:1878
date stone above the southern portal
Photo by Nick
Catford
Photo:The
approach cutting to the northern portal of the Connaught Tunnel
looking north.
Photo by Nick
Catford
The original line was retained as the high-level
route owned by the dock company but in the event of the tunnel becoming
impassable through any cause, the Great Eastern had the right to use
the original route free of charge until the tunnel was again fit
for use.
Photo:The
southern approach cutting to the Connaught Tunnel looking north.
The signal is on the earlier line which was retained.
Photo by Nick
Catford
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for more pictures
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