MEDINA, N.Y. – There are lots of ways to go over the Erie Canal but there is just one that lets you cross underneath.
This is the Medina Culvert — a stone arch tunnel built in 1823. It is the only drivable passage that goes under the historic waterway.
“This is one of the wonders of our world,” said Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian.
Cooper explained why people are so amazed by the culvert.
Catherine Cooper, Orleans County Historian: “Everybody who goes through it is awestruck, because no matter how often you tell them we’re going under the canal, they don’t realize that you’re going under the canal until they are under the canal.”
So unique, it was featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. Here’s the drawing, provided by Ripley’s from its archives. It was published in 1945 and drawn by Robert Ripley himself.
But why not just build a bridge? It was a matter of practicality and economics.
Catherine Cooper: “The culvert was built in response to a topographical conundrum that they faced when they were building the canal along here. There was a valley of 20 feet between these two berms, and if they were to build a bridge, the approach would have been too long. It would have been too expensive.”
The tunnel can be eerie at times — no pun intended — the sound of the dripping water leaking through the sandstone from the canal above…. giving pause to some before entering the darkness.
Catherine Cooper: “I think everybody is struck with a momentary fear or trepidation, oh my God, is this going to hold while we’re going through, but it has, and it does.”
It has, for two centuries. Through the years it’s been rebuilt and expanded as the canal was enlarged. From the water, boaters may be oblivious to the tunnel below. But walk or ride along the canal path and you can watch as the cars disappear below and read all about its history.
The Medina Culvert draws lots of curious visitors — who make a point of stopping when they pass through town.
Brett Davidsen, News10NBC: “You stopped here specifically, tell me why?”
Dean Ford: “Well, to see the very unusual road going underneath the canal.”
Matthew Ford: “It’s interesting with the water dripping down and seeing the stalactites on the ceiling of the tunnel.”
Just another unique feature to this unusual piece of architecture.
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Discover the Medina Culvert: Drive under the Erie Canal in Orleans County WHEC.com.
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