I've had the portal of this tunnel marked on google maps forever but somehow never bothered to actually go and have a look until now. In spite of an attempt to enter discretely my poorly timed approach led to me attracting the unwanted attention of a few locals, who soon lost interest when they realised I wasn't going to do anything more interesting than put my wellies on and take some photos. This place was last covered on here by @paulpowers who also noted that the entrance is on a road that is actually busier than it really should be.
History (from http://www.forgottenrelics.co.uk/tunnels/gallery/chesterfield.html)
June 1892 saw the arrival of the Manchester Sheffield & Lincolnshire Railway in Chesterfield, having built a line from its main north-south route at Staveley. Within months, a southern extension was opened to form 'the Chesterfield loop', passing immediately through a straight tunnel of 474 yards which emerged from under Hollis Lane. Towards its southern end was a single full-width ventilation shaft.
The through route was severed in June 1963 but the tunnel continued to serve Hydes Siding until 13th January 1964. By the summer of 1985, its northern portal and 25 yards of brickwork had been cut back to accommodate Chesterfield's new Inner Relief Road. At the south end, the 85-yard section from the shaft to the portal was also lost, with an access ramp constructed for inspection and maintenance purposes.
Today, the southern end remains open, hemmed in by concrete retaining walls. However, without effective drainage, the tunnel is now prone to flooding, the depth of which is reported to reach several feet on occasions.
Starting at the far end, the tunnel leads to a concrete chamber with a ladder leading up to a large air vent above. This concrete vent can be seen from the road outside. I did take a photo but it was shit so you'll just have to imagine a photo of a boring concrete vent next to a busy road.
Further in it's a pretty standard abandoned train tunnel. It was a bit misty so my photos aren't as clear as I would have liked, but there’s some nice colours.
Exit was similarly clumsy but better timed, and I headed back towards home slightly more orange than when I left. A quick one, but can't beat a bit of quiet time underground.