This tunnel was a major problem in the construction of the railway, delaying the project by three years between 1846 and 1849.

Details of the difficulties, including unseasonable weather, are contained in a report dated 21 August 1848 from Robert Stephenson, Consulting Engineer, and William Baker, the Shropshire Union Railway Engineer.

The entire summit level emptied into the tunnel, causing flooding in the town, although there were no reports of any personal injury.

[citation needed] Oakengates is typically served Monday to Sunday by one train per hour in each direction between Birmingham New Street and Shrewsbury via Wolverhampton, with some extra trains at peak times on weekdays.

[5] Transport for Wales serves the station with one train per day to Shrewsbury (single direction) after midnight.