Snoqualmie Tunnel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel at Snoqualmie Pass at the border of King County and Kittitas County in Washington State. It is 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long. The tunnel now serves as part of a rail trail in Iron Horse State Park. The trail is called the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, but sometimes also called the Iron Horse Trail. It closed January 30, 2009 and reopened July 5, 2011 after renovations to the walls, ceiling, and path were completed. ^[1] ^[2]

[edit] History

The tunnel was constructed from 1912-1914 by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road, as part of its line from Chicago to Seattle. Electrification in 1917 eliminated smoke dissipation issues.

In 1980 the Milwaukee Road received approval from the Interstate Commerce Commission to abandon its western lines. On March 15th, 1980, the final Milwaukee Road train passed through the tunnel. Later, Washington state acquired the right-of-way for recreational use.

Today the tunnel is part of the Iron Horse State Park rails-to-trails project. It is usually closed between November 1 through early May due to ice formations inside the tunnel. On July 5, 2011 the tunnel re-opened after 11 months of renovations. The $700,000 renovation added a 4-inch layer of concrete to the walls and ceiling, a reinforced structure, and a new and improved walking surface of crushed rock.^[3]

[edit] Directions

From Seattle, take I-90 eastbound to exit #54. Turn right at the exit, then turn left at the stop sign. Follow the signs leading to Iron Horse State Park / Snoqualmie Tunnel and Keechelus Trail Head, then turn right before the Highway Maintenance area, then turn another right into the trailhead parking lot.