Knollys Tunnel, Rio Claro

Built in 1898 and measuring 660 feet, Knollys Tunnel in Rio Claro is rumoured to be the longest tunnel in the Caribbean and the biggest manmade tunnel in T&T.

Named after the acting Colonial Governor, Sir Clement Courtenay Knollys, the tunnel was opened in 1898 and closed 67 years later. When the Rio Claro and San Fernando train lines were shut down in 1965, the people of Caparo stoned the train and blocked the line to protest the closure. The unfortunate reality was that although they wanted to keep the line active, they didn’t use it enough for it to survive. The tunnel eventually fell in to disrepair but was restored in 1991 and declared a national heritage site.