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Severn Tunnel

The Severn Tunnel is an underwater rail tunnel that connects England and Wales beneath the River Severn. Opened in 1876, it was built to facilitate train travel across the river, which was previously challenging and time-consuming. The tunnel stretches about 7 miles (11 kilometers) and is one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. Its construction involved complex engineering, including boring through rock and underground work. Today, it remains a vital part of the rail network, enabling efficient transportation between south Wales and the Midlands while also withstanding the geographic and environmental challenges of the river crossing.