Railroad tunnel

The railroad tunnel was built in 1839, serving the Eastern Railroad, which in 1838 was servicing nineteen passenger trains to Boston daily. Other branches north to Lawrence and Gloucester added to the prosperity of businesses in Salem. Downtown traffic began to increase and a plan to make a new tunnel and eliminate the grade crossings was started. In July 1949, bids went out for for the first stage of what would be a 3 stage and 10 year project. First was the elimination of the Bridge Street grade crossing at the north end of the tunnel. The tunnel would be extended and Bridge St. would run over it. Later, Norman and Mill St. would cross above the tunnel. Razing the old depot and constructing parking on the spot was another project.

See Also

• Historical Sketch of Salem by Chas. Osgood, p.233.