Knolly’s Tunnel – longest in the Caribbean

knolly's Tunnel

Knolly’s Tunnel

Situated off the Tabaquite Main Road in Central Trinidad, was named after the then acting Colonial Governor of Trinidad and Tobago, Sir Clement Courtenay Knollys KCMG, who officially opened the new railway tunnel on 20th August, 1898.

Approximately 660 feet in length, the tunnel is reportedly one of the longest in the Caribbean.

knolly's Tunnel

The construction which began in 1896 took two years to complete and utilized the skills of over 200 African and Indian workers.

The tunnel was constructed to link the Rio Claro hinterland with Port-of-Spain and to facilitate the transport of cocoa, coffee and other agricultural produce from the rich Brasso-Caparo Valley.

After closure on 30thAugust 1965 and many years of neglect, Knollys Tunnel was partially restored by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

On Tuesday 13thAugust 1991, the Minister of the Environment and National Service, Dr. the Honorable Lincoln Myers, reopened the tunnel as a national heritage site.

knolly's Tunnel

Both of the commemorative plaques have been removed from the southern end of the tunnel.

20th August 2018  marked 120 years since the official opening of Knollys Tunnel.

Above the tunnel sheds were constructed for persons whom may want to picnic or hang out.

You can also drive through the tunnel, it is an experience as it is dark and filled with bats.

Google map showing location.