Then … Southern Railway at Belle Island yard

On September 8, 1946, Southern Railway 2-8-2 #4540 leads a southbound freight through the tunnel underneath the Atlantic Coast Lines's fill which led to it's downtown Richmond James river bridge. The train is entering Belle Island yard in South Richmond . This scene is much changed today. The ACL line was removed in the 1970's and the tunnel has been daylighted. It's remnants along the Norfolk Southern line may be seen a short walk from the south end of the Potterfield footbridge over the James. Photo taken by J I Kelly. From the William Stratton Collection @2020 ODC NRHS.

Now … 2014

In modern times the tunnel has been daylighted. The yard is still utilized by Norfolk Southern. This location is near the south end of the Manchester Bridge. Image courtesy of Charles Curley III.