description St. Clair Tunnel Overview
The St. Clair Tunnel is a railway tunnel passing beneath the St. Clair River, connecting Sarnia, Ontario, in Canada with Port Huron, Michigan, in the United States. Opened in 1891, it was constructed to provide a direct rail link between the two nations and was the first subaqueous railroad tunnel in North America.
The original tunnel was replaced by a newer, larger bore opened in 1994 to accommodate modern rail traffic. It remains a major freight rail crossing in the Great Lakes region.
help St. Clair Tunnel FAQ
Where is the St. Clair Tunnel located, and what does it connect?
The St. Clair Tunnel runs under the St. Clair River, connecting Sarnia, Ontario in Canada with Port Huron, Michigan in the United States. It carries freight rail traffic as part of a major cross-border rail corridor between Canadian National's network and U.S. railroads.
When was the original St. Clair Tunnel built?
The original St. Clair Tunnel was completed in 1891 by the Grand Trunk Railway and was the first subaqueous railway tunnel in North America. A replacement tunnel was opened in the 1990s to accommodate larger rail cars and intermodal freight.
Who operates the current St. Clair Tunnel today?
The tunnel is operated by Canadian National Railway (CN), which inherited the route and now runs freight trains through it as part of its cross-border network. It remains a key rail freight crossing between Ontario and Michigan.
Can you walk or drive through the St. Clair Tunnel?
No, the St. Clair Tunnel is exclusively a railway tunnel and is not open to pedestrian or road vehicle traffic. Road travelers cross the St. Clair River via the Blue Water Bridge nearby.
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