Editor’s Note: The lure of the exploring the city’s secret corners extends beneath the streets for photographer Brendan Clinch. He’s poked his nose into subway and train tunnels, and even braved the city’s sewers, smell be damned. All of these subterranean places have much to tell us about the city’s growth and development, and thanks to Hidden City contributor and Philadelphia Water Department historian Adam Levine and others, we have access to a good part of the story–just follow the links below. Levine’s wonderful account of exploring the city’s sewers can be read HERE.
Mill Creek sewer | Photo: Brendan Clinch
For a good description of Mill Creek before it was buried via the Mill Creek Sewer, click HERE.
Mill Creek sewer under construction between 47th St. and Haverford Avenue | Downloaded from PhillyH2O.org, courtesy Philadelphia Water Department Historical Collection
Wingohocking Sewer | Photo: Brendan Clinch
For Adam Levine’s story tracing the history of the Wingohocking Sewer, click HERE.
Outfall of the Wingohocking Sewer | Photo: Philadelphia Water Department
City Branch of the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad | Photo: Brendan Clinch
For Hidden City contributor Harry Kyriakodis’ story detailing the origins of the City Branch, click HERE.
The abandoned Spring Garden Street Station on the Broad-Ridge spur | Photo: Brendan Clinch
For more photos of the abandoned Spring Garden Street Station from photographer Christian Suchecki, click HERE.
Spring Garden St. Trolley Tunnel | Photo: Brendan Clinch
Active freight tunnel that runs alongside the abandoned City Branch line (at left) | Photo: Brendan Clinch
Active freight tunnel that runs alongside the abandoned City Branch line | Photo: Brendan Clinch
© 2011-2013 Hidden City Philadelphia |
i have been dying to see these pics . thank you so much . esp of the city branck . never knew of the old trolley tunnel
what is/was the Spring Garden St. trolley tunnel? I’ve never heard of it, if its different from the Ridge Ave cut off
Is the spring garden trolley tunnel where spring goes under and in front of the art museum? When you drive it there’s another lane behind pillars , is that it ?
Yes that’s it – the tunnel under the Eakins Oval more or less.