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In the 1920s, the United States invested millions in the construction of a subway that promised to revolutionize urban mobility. However, financial problems led to the project being abandoned in 1928.
Cincinnati, with its 311 inhabitants, holds a curious secret beneath its streets: a giant network of subway tunnels that was never finished. It has been there, abandoned and forgotten for over 100 years.
The idea was ambitious back in the early 20th century, but it ended up becoming just a giant “what if.” Now, the city is thinking to give the space a makeover. Who knows, maybe one day these tunnels will have a real use and come out of limbo. Let's get to know this story in more detail.
The dream of an underground subway
In 1910, Cincinnati was booming, with its population surpassing 360.000. It was a time of optimism and growth, and the idea of building an underground subway system seemed like a natural step toward modernizing the city.
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The proposal for a transport system that would extend over 36 kilometers was well received by residents, merchants and the media, resulting in strong popular support.
On April 17, 1917, just days after the United States entered World War I, a vote was held approving the bill.
But the war had a significant impact: costs rose, resources became scarce and, by 1920, construction began to face serious obstacles.
The challenges and abandonment
Despite initial excitement, construction of the Cincinnati subway soon ran into major difficulties. Damage to nearby buildings and legal disputes began to hamper the progress of construction. By 1927, when seven miles of tunnel had been dug, funding had run out.
The media, which had previously supported the project, turned against it, and in 1928 the subway was officially Cancelled.
In the years that followed, several proposals were made to reuse the tunnels, but none of them made significant progress. During World War II, it was suggested that the subway be used as an air raid shelter, but this idea was also abandoned.
In the 1950s, the tunnels were used to install a large water pipeline, and in 1960, a nuclear fallout shelter was built at Liberty Station. Other ideas, such as creating an underground shopping mall or using the tunnels for filming, also failed.
The largest abandoned subway in the United States
The Cincinnati Metro is currently considered the largest abandoned underground facility in the country.
And despite failed plans over the decades, the city is still looking for ways to repurpose the tunnels. The city council recently sent out a call for companies interested in submitting ideas for revitalizing the site.
A proposal seeks ideas on how to transform the tunnel, which runs under Central Parkway, into a functional project.
In a document sent to the press, the council stated that the purpose of the request is “obtain information on the feasibility of reuse” of the tunnel, and that this is just the beginning of a process that could eventually result in a formal proposal.
The Future of Cincinnati's Metro Tunnel
The city of Cincinnati currently owns the tunnel, but its condition is not the best.
According to a 2023 inspection report, the tunnels have leaks, cracks and deterioration of the concrete, in addition to the presence of stalactites and salt coatings, resulting from the humidity accumulated over the years.
The city said that if the reuse project moves forward, the water pipe would be removed but the rest of the tunnel would be maintained.
While the city has drawn attention to the tunnels' precarious state, there is no doubt that many still see potential in this underground space.
The exploration of these tunnels, for example, has attracted groups of “urban explorers”, such as the group “The Proper People”, which recently published a video showing the current state of the tunnels. This activity, in fact, has helped to maintain interest in the project and its history.
Proposals and expectations
The city of Cincinnati is now awaiting suggestions for how to give new life to its abandoned tunnels. Some of the ideas floating around include using the spaces for cultural events, art centers or even commercial development.
The reuse of this space is an attempt to revitalize an important part of the city, which to this day is shrouded in mystery and nostalgia.
However, it is still too early to know whether this project will be a success. While the city is still receiving proposals, the condition of the tunnels and the costs of restoration and adaptation are factors that must be carefully evaluated.
But for now, Cincinnati is still looking for solutions to turn what was a huge failure into a possible asset for the future.
Easy uses the tunnels to continue hiding the country's misery, the junkies and drug addicts, only showing the pretty side of the apple, as he always did. He no longer fools anyone.