Beneath our feet lies a marvel. It is a testament to 19th-century engineering. We are standing at the entrance of the Túnel do Rossio. This railway tunnel allows trains to access Rossio Station. It connects the station to Campolide. This forms the initial segment of the Sintra Line.
The Túnel do Rossio is more than just a passage. It is a vital artery connecting Lisbon’s heart to the wider region. Think about it. Before this tunnel, accessing Rossio Station by train was impossible. The city’s expansion depended on innovative solutions like this.
Construction on the Túnel do Rossio began in 1887. It was completed in May 1889. The tunnel officially opened in June 1891. Professor Paul Choffat conducted the geological studies for the tunnel. In April 1889, the tunnel’s excavation finished. Rossio Station was already complete by then. An inaugural train ride took place on April 8. It carried company employees and guests from Campolide to Rossio Station.
Imagine the scene at the Túnel do Rossio’s inauguration. Important people gathered to celebrate this achievement. The special train symbolized progress and connection. This moment marked a new era for Lisbon’s railway system.
The Túnel do Rossio stretches 2613 meters. That is almost the same length as the 25 de Abril Bridge. The double track tunnel is 8 meters wide. It stands 6 meters high. The tunnel has a gradient of approximately 1%. It descends 24.26 meters from the Campolide entrance.
This tunnel is the only rail link to Lisbon’s downtown area. It runs beneath urban streets. These streets had buildings already. The vertical distance varies between the tunnel’s ceiling and the surface.
In 1902, plans were made to install electric lighting inside the Túnel do Rossio. The Rossio Station’s generators would power the lights. This electrification was the first step. It was towards implementing more electric equipment. This included track switches and baggage conveyors. The tunnel itself would also be adapted for electric traction. Electric locomotives would replace steam engines. This would reduce pollution.
Steam locomotives from the 070-097 series began service in 1916. They were specifically for the Lisbon-Rossio to Sintra route. They ran via the Túnel do Rossio.
The Túnel do Rossio underwent rehabilitation work. It closed from October 22, 2004, to February 16, 2008. The rehabilitation included a new structural lining. It consisted of reinforced concrete in critical sections. A concrete track bed with embedded rails was installed. This allows easy access for service vehicles.
During the rehabilitation, the Glória Elevator stopped running. This happened between April 2006 and February 2007. There was a concern about the risk of landslides. These landslides could occur between Calçada da Glória and Rua Artilharia 1.
A tunnel monitoring system was installed during the renovation. It measures deformations and temperature. This system uses fiber optic sensors. An escape shaft to the surface was added. It is near the intersection with Rua Alexandre Herculano.
Since the late 20th century, Rossio Station mainly serves suburban trains. These trains operate on the Sintra Line. From 1992, electric multiple units were used.
The Túnel do Rossio continues to play a crucial role. It helps transport countless passengers every year. As you stand here, consider the engineering. Consider the historical events that have shaped this underground passage. It remains an integral part of Lisbon’s identity.