Where is the world's deepest street?

The world's steepest street is Baldwin Street, located in the North East Valley suburb of Dunedin, New Zealand.

Baldwin Street: A Unique Gradient

Baldwin Street has gained global recognition for its extraordinary incline, holding the Guinness World Record for the steepest residential street. Its remarkable gradient, particularly in its upper section, reaches a maximum of 1:2.86 (or 19 degrees), meaning for every 2.86 meters of horizontal distance, the street rises by one meter. This distinctive feature makes it a significant landmark and a popular attraction.

Key Details of Baldwin Street

Baldwin Street is a residential cul-de-sac that stretches approximately 350 meters (1,150 feet). Here are some essential facts about its location and structure:

Why So Steep?

The extreme steepness of Baldwin Street is a result of Dunedin's early urban planning. When the city's streets were laid out in a grid pattern by planners in London in the mid-19th century, insufficient attention was given to the area's challenging topography. This led to several streets being much steeper than ideal, with Baldwin Street being the most prominent example. To prevent the asphalt from melting and flowing downhill on hot days, the steepest part of the street is paved with concrete rather than traditional asphalt.

Cultural Significance and Events

Baldwin Street is not just a geographical curiosity; it's also a vibrant part of Dunedin's community life and a draw for tourists. Visitors often enjoy walking or even running up and down its challenging slope. The street is famously home to two annual events:

• Baldwin Street Gutbuster: An athletic event where competitors race from the base of the street to the top and back down.
• Cadbury Jaffa Race: Thousands of chocolate-coated candies (Jaffas) are rolled down the street in a charity event, creating a colourful cascade.

These events highlight the street's unique character and its role in the local culture.

Clarifying "Deepest" vs. "Steepest"

It is important to clarify that while the question initially asked about the "deepest" street, the provided context and the information about Baldwin Street refer to its status as the steepest street. A "deepest" street would typically refer to one located significantly below ground level, perhaps within a canyon, a deep cut, or underground. Baldwin Street is renowned for its incline relative to horizontal distance, not its depth below the earth's surface.

For more information on this unique landmark, you can visit the Baldwin Street Wikipedia page.