St. Albans, West Virginia, a town shaped by its industrial and transportation legacy, features infrastructure that reflects its adaptability to evolving needs. While railroads dominate much of its history, vehicle tunnels and underpasses also played critical roles. Below, we revisit the histories of the Boone Street Tunnel (also referenced as the Washington Street Tunnel or underpass), the 3rd Street Underpass, and Armstrong Tunnel. We incorporate new insights from archival materials.
1. Boone Street Tunnel (Washington Street Underpass)
The Boone Street Tunnel, sometimes referred to locally as the Washington Street Tunnel or underpass, is tied to the arrival of railroads in St. Albans in the late 19th century. According to historical accounts, a railroad tunnel was constructed behind the Kmart on Boone Street around 1872. This was coinciding with the expansion of rail infrastructure in the area. This tunnel served as a critical passage for coal trains traversing the Coal River Branch of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway (C&O), linking the town to broader regional networks.
Despite its significance, the tunnel’s exact location and structural details remain debated. Local folklore often conflates it with nearby road infrastructure, such as the 3rd Street Underpass. However, historical records confirm its role as a railroad tunnel rather than a vehicular passage. The name “Washington Street” may stem from proximity to streets named after early surveyors or George Washington’s historical ties to the region. Though no direct documentation links the tunnel to Washington himself.
Today, the tunnel’s remnants are largely obscured by urban development, but its legacy persists in oral histories and railroad archives.
2. 3rd Street Underpass
The 3rd Street Underpass, often mistakenly called a “viaduct,” is a key component of St. Albans’ transportation infrastructure. Built to separate road and rail traffic, this underpass consists of three bridges spanning Third Avenue, Fourth Avenue, and the CSX railroad tracks. Its construction in the early 20th century addressed safety and efficiency concerns. This was as rail traffic increased alongside growing vehicular use.
In 2012, a study by the Regional Intergovernmental Council (RIC) and HDR Engineering recommended widening and upgrading the underpass to improve clearance and accommodate modern traffic demands. The proposed $9.6 million project aimed to lower the vertical profile and reconstruct walls. This highlighted its ongoing importance to the town’s logistics. Though technically an underpass, its integration of multiple bridges exemplifies hybrid engineering solutions common in industrial-era towns.
3. Armstrong Tunnel (Pennsylvania Avenue Tunnel)
The Armstrong Tunnel, also known as the Pennsylvania Avenue Tunnel or Riverbend Tunnel, is one of the oldest surviving vehicle tunnels in the region. Constructed around 1900, this 316-foot-long timber-reinforced tunnel was built to streamline transportation under Kanawha County Route 6/4. It is near St. Albans3. Its design reflects early 20th-century engineering practices, prioritizing cost-effective materials like timber for structural support. Though its contractor remains unknown, the tunnel’s construction coincided with St. Albans’ industrial boom. This was driven by coal mining and railroad expansion.
The Armstrong Tunnel underwent repairs in later years to maintain its integrity, but it retains its original character. Notably, it is not listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a surprising omission given its age and role in local infrastructure. Today, it stands as a quiet testament to the town’s adaptive engineering during the Industrial Revolution.
Conclusion
St. Albans’ tunnels and underpasses reveal a community navigating the dual pressures of industrial growth and urban modernization. The Boone Street Tunnel (or Washington Street Underpass) underscores the town’s railroad heritage. Meanwhile, the 3rd Street Underpass reflects pragmatic adaptations to 20th-century transportation challenges. These structures, though often overlooked, remain vital to understanding the town’s layered history.
Bibliography
- “Railroad tunnel behind K mart (Boone St.) being built in about 1872.” St. Albans, WV – My Home Town. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/groups/39625459261/posts/10153666720629262/ .
- “History of St. Albans, WV.” St. Albans History. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.stalbanshistory.com/history/ .
- “St Albans Corridor Study.” WV Region 3. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://wvregion3.org/st-albans-corridor-study/ .
- “ST. ALBANS – 3rd Street, Underpass.” RS Locations Hub. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://rs.locationshub.com/Home/LocationDetail?rsLocationId=059-10040896 .
- “Historic George Washington Monument Returns Home to St. Albans High School.” StAlbansWV.com. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://stalbanswv.com/historic-george-washington-monument-returns-home-to-st-albans-high-school/ .
- “Armstrong Tunnel AKA Pennsylvania Avenue Tunnel AKA Riverbend Tunnel.” Highways Through History. Accessed May 17, 2025. https://www.highwaysthroughhistory.com/Tunnels/Armstrong.
As always, thank you for riding with me!
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Visibility: Sunny
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
Dunbar
Institute (7:00) I64
Cross Lanes
Nitro Marketplace (11:30)
Poca (23:00)
Bancroft
Martin’s Branch (50:00)
Sissonville
Tupper Creek (1:09:00)
Silas (1:26:30)
I77/I79 – Charleston (1:32:30)
US119/Corridor G
Southridge (1:50:00)
WV601/Jefferson Road – South Charleston (1:59:00)
Jefferson (2:06:30)
Saint Albans (2:09:30)
Armstrong Tunnel (2:22:15)
Ferrel Road – Tornado (2:25:30)
Smith Creek
Rock Lake – South Charleston (2:39:30)
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
