How the world's first metro system was built - Christian Wolmar
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
London's first subway, the Metropolitan Railway, opened in 1863 to alleviate road congestion, costing over $100 million today and initially using the "cut and cover" method. The success of the subway led to the development of the Greathead Shield machine for deeper tunnels, contributing to the expansion of London's transportation network and influencing subway systems globally.
Insights
- The Metropolitan Railway in London, opened in 1863, was a pioneering project that aimed to address the city's road congestion issues by providing a subway system for the public, marking a significant milestone in urban transportation history.
- The development of the Greathead Shield machine for tunneling in London's expanding subway network revolutionized underground construction, allowing for deeper tunnels without surface disruption, leading to the successful creation of tube lines and inspiring subway systems in other global cities.
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Recent questions
When did London's first subway system open?
1863
What method was used to construct the Metropolitan Railway?
Cut and cover
How did the Greathead Shield machine impact tunneling?
Created deeper underground tunnels
What was the cost of London's first subway system in today's money?
Over 100 million dollars
Why was the Metropolitan Railway considered crucial for London?
Alleviated severe road congestion
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Summary
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London's First Subway: A Transportation Revolution
- In 1863, London's first subway system, the Metropolitan Railway, opened to the public, with 30,000 people riding on a four-mile stretch of line. The project, costing over 100 million dollars in today's money, aimed to alleviate the city's severe road congestion.
- The construction of the Metropolitan Railway utilized the "cut and cover" method, involving digging a trench, building brick archway tunnels, and refilling the hole. Despite setbacks like flooding and building demolitions, the subway quickly became a crucial part of London's transportation network.
- As London continued to expand, a new tunneling method using the Greathead Shield machine was developed to create deeper underground tunnels without disturbing the surface. This innovation led to the creation of tube lines, which were highly successful and paved the way for subway systems in other major cities worldwide.
