The Blast Tunnel was designed to divert the force of an explosion away from the main part of the bunker. In the event of a nuclear explosion, anything inside of the tunnel would have been destroyed.
Building the Blast Tunnel
Laying the concrete floor
The finished Blast Tunnel
Some interesting facts:
- There is only one main entrance to the building, and there was concern that a major explosion could block, damage, or otherwise disable it. While there were contingencies for that possibility, it was to be avoided as much as possible.
- The tunnel is 387 feet long (approximately 150 meters).
- Regardless of the temperature outside, it is always cool inside the Blast Tunnel.
Today, you can roam worry-free into the Blast Tunnel. Take a look at some of the creative ways it has been used over the years, including major films, weddings, and even… Bunker cats.
Dief the Chief – a touring play
Filming in the blast tunnel
Neill Bloomkamp’s Zygote set
Weddings
Introducing history at a young age
And yes, even cats
Read more about our Artifact of the Month:
Screwdriver and Volunteer T-Shirt – December
The Eames Chair – November
Or even better, come visit us underground to see them all for yourself!