What is belmont tunnel?

Belmont Tunnel, also known as the Victory Boulevard Tunnel, is a historic railroad tunnel located in Los Angeles, California. It was built in 1902 as part of the Los Angeles Pacific Railroad by William E. Smythe and Francis P. Fleming. The tunnel runs through a hillside below the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Riverside Drive, connecting Atwater Village and Silver Lake neighborhoods in Los Angeles. It is approximately 2000 feet long, 18 feet high, and 17 feet wide.

The Belmont Tunnel played a significant role in the growth of the Los Angeles transportation system in the early 20th century. It was used by the Red Car trolleys to transport passengers and goods across the city. The tunnel was also one of the locations where movie studios filmed scenes during the silent film era.

In the 1950s, the tunnel was abandoned and fell into disrepair. In the early 2000s, the city of Los Angeles acquired the property and turned it into a public park. The surrounding area was developed into housing and commercial properties. Today, Belmont Tunnel Park serves as a recreational area with walking trails and a playground. The tunnel itself is still closed to the public due to safety concerns, but efforts are underway to restore and reopen it as a transportation museum.