Kaunas railway tunnel was included into the Registry of Immovable Cultural Heritage Sites of the Republic of Lithuania in 1996.

[1] After the Russian Empire lost the Crimean War, the importance of tactical use of modern inventions, such as railways was realised.

In February 1851 the Tsarist Government of Russia made a decision to build the Saint Petersburg – Warsaw railway line with a length of approximately 1,250 kilometres.

The government of Prussia addressed Russia asking permission to start building a railway from Virbalis, which was situated near its border, towards Lentvaris through Kaunas.

However, the terrain around Kaunas' centre is hilly and unfavorable for the direct rail passage.

The main and most complicated objects were the tunnel and largest in Lithuania railway bridge over the Nemunas river.

Ernest Goüin et Cie also built two brickyards in Šančiai and Petrašiūnai areas, because especially good quality bricks were needed for the tunnel arches, water passes and other constructions.

It was on the Lentvaris - Kaunas - Virbalis branch towards Prussia, of the Saint Petersburg-Warsaw railway.

[6] Reinforced concrete was installed in its vaults and walls, its portals were rebuilt, and its drainage was improved.

[6] The reconstruction also included installing lighting in the tunnel, the provision of smoke and water sensors along with a fire alarm system connected to the central control unit.