Tunnel vision becomes a reality in July 1963

The Queen leads the way in her royal limo after officially opening the Clyde Tunnel on July 3, 1963.

Thousands turned out to see her as the link between the north and south of the city was finally christened, six years after work began. The £10million project had been beset by delays and two men died during its construction due to the effects of working in a compressed air environment.

Initially, only the west tunnel was open, with a carriageway in each direction. It was not until eight months later that traffic could use the second tunnel.

Glasgow Motorway archivist Stuart Baird said: “The main tunnel was extensively refurbished during the early 2000s to ensure it meets current fire regulations. These works significantly altered the internal appearance of the tunnel, leaving it virtually unrecognisable when compared with images from its opening.

“Today, it carries over 24million vehicles a year.”