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Cumberland Gap Tunnel Authority

 

31 US Highway 25E
PO Box 1425
Middlesboro, KY 40965

(606) 248-0996

 

Additional Contact Info...

 



 



Celebrating 25 Years

October 18, 2021 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the Opening of the Cumberland Gap Tunnel.

 

To commemorate this milestone in the History of the area, the Cumberland Gap Tunnel Authority will assemble an exhibit of photos and mementos at the Bell County Historical Society from Friday, October 15th through Saturday, October 30, 2021.

 

The Society will open exclusively for the CGT Exhibit on Monday, October 18th from 10:00am to 4:00pm and the first 100 visitors will receive a unique keepsake commemorating the 25th Anniversary.

 

The BCHS is located at 207 N 20th St Middlesboro, Kentucky and normal hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm.

 

If you are unable to attend the exhibit in person, there is a Video Tour of the facility here for your information and viewing pleasure. https://youtu.be/Roh_vCOg5No

 

 



Welcome

The Cumberland Gap Tunnel opened to highway traffic on October 18, 1996. The tunnels are located in the Cumberland Mountains of the Appalachian Range, where the states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia converge.

Tennessee Portal

 

Pioneers such as Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone first discovered the “Wilderness Trail”, opening the western territory to settlers and pioneers. Cumberland Gap was known as the “Gateway to the West”. With the opening of the tunnel, the Cumberland Gap and the Wilderness Road were restored; and visitors are now able to gain the perspective of the early travelers. Modern technology has paved the way for restoration of the past.

Daniel Boone Parking Lot

 

The Cumberland Gap Tunnel uses a variety of technology to monitor, direct and respond to traffic. A control room operator watches several monitors in order to locate any potential problems which may arise outside or within the tunnels. The control room operator has direct contact with all employees and is able to control the variable message signs through the Vanguard Traffic Control System.

Tunnel Control Room

 

The tunnel is also equipped with a SCADA system (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System). SCADA monitors and controls the operation of ventilation fans, carbon monoxide gas monitors, smoke detectors and linear heat detectors, all located in the tunnel ceiling. SCADA alerts the control room operator of mechanical malfunctions within the buildings as well.

 

Operators are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All of the operators at the Cumberland Gap Tunnel are EMT certified and are able to respond to any emergency. Ambulances, Fire/Rescue trucks, and utility wreckers are located at each portal building.




Learn more about the planning and construction of the tunnel...