Abandoned Engineering

The programme visits a West Virginian town that suffered when steam trains fell out of use, and an Italian underground complex that lay deserted for almost two millennia. Both locations show how rapid technological shifts and long‑term abandonment have reshaped their surroundings.

Tunnel to the Underworld is a television programme presented as a single episode. It falls under the genre of documentary‑style broadcasting, offering viewers a focused look at two very different locations that share a common thread of abandonment. The episode’s title hints at the hidden histories it uncovers, guiding the audience through places that have slipped out of everyday awareness. The first half of the episode turns its lens on a small town in West Virginia. Here, the community was caught off guard by the swift pace of technological change when steam‑powered trains fell out of favour. As the iron rails lost their relevance, the town’s livelihood and identity were profoundly affected, illustrating how quickly modern progress can render once‑vital infrastructure obsolete. The story then shifts to an underground complex in Italy, a sprawling network that has lain untouched for almost two millennia. This ancient site, sealed away for nearly 2,000 years, offers a stark contrast to the recent industrial decline in West Virginia, providing a glimpse into a long‑forgotten world beneath the Italian landscape. By juxtaposing a relatively recent episode of economic shift with a millennia‑old subterranean ruin, the episode draws attention to the varied ways places can fall into disuse. It highlights how both modern and ancient sites can become silent witnesses to the forces of change, inviting viewers to consider the lasting impact of abandonment across time.