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Aberdeen Cable Subway
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Aberdeen Cable Subway

Historic Photographs
David Oswald
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Aberdeen Cable Subway
Historic Photographs
2886
Aberdeen Cable Subway
This photograph shows the interior of the Aberdeen Cable Subway and was taken on the 1st March 1903. The subway was constructed as part of the Dee Village Electricity Works.

It was designed as a clever way to supply electricity to key areas without either unsightly overhead cables or repeatedly digging up of the streets. It was installed at a cost of £18,661 and was eight feet high by four feet eight inches wide. It runs up Crown Street, turns along Langstane Place and horse-shoes into Holburn Street.

It was designed with room to add cabling as demand increased. In order to minimise disruption, the subway was installed at the same time as a new sewer located below. The cable subway is still there today and remains one of many intriguing subterranean features of the city. The subway's ornate Art Nouveau ventilation shaft can be seen at the western end of Justine Mill Lane.

This image is from an album of photographs held by Aberdeen City Libraries detailing the construction of the Dee Village Electricity Works between 1901 and 1903.
Crown Street
Utilities
UT01_13
Aberdeen Local Studies