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Tunnel of Desperation: The Cincinnati Subway is The Largest Abandoned Tunnel System in The United States
While it’s abandoned by “Societal Standards” there are those that still call it home.
The Cincinnati Subway was a partially constructed Transit system beneath the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio. Although the system only grew to a little over 2 miles (3.2 km) in length, its derelict tunnels and stations make up the most extensive abandoned subway tunnel system in the United States. Construction began in the early 1900s as an upgrade to the Cincinnati streetcar system. Still, it was abandoned due to escalating costs, the collapse of funding amidst political bickering, and the Great Depression during the 1920s and 1930s.
In 1928, the construction of the subway system in Cincinnati was indefinitely canceled. There are no plans to revive the project.
Rapid transit was seen as the solution for downtown congestion in Cincinnati during the first quarter of the 20th century. Six million dollars were allocated for the project, but construction was delayed due to World War I. In addition, unexpected post-war inflation doubled the construction cost, so the project could not be finished at the original estimated price.
