Cascade Tunnel, Railroad tunnel in Stevens Pass, Washington, US
Cascade Tunnel is a railroad passage running approximately 4.2 kilometers through the Cascade Range, connecting Berne to Scenic as part of the transcontinental line. It cuts through the mountains, allowing trains to cross the terrain without long detours around the peaks.
The original tunnel opened in 1900, but following the 1910 Wellington Disaster where avalanches killed 96 people, a new tunnel was completed in 1929. The replacement was built to make passage through the pass safer and more reliable.
The tunnel bears the name of engineer John Frank Stevens, who shaped both the original route and the mountain passage. The railroad played a central role in making this mountainous region accessible for trade and connection between the coasts.
The tunnel accommodates up to 28 trains daily, with passenger services traveling at 30 mph and freight trains at 25 mph. Powerful ventilation systems clear diesel fumes, requiring sufficient spacing between trains to maintain safe air quality.
The ventilation system is so powerful that trains must be spaced at least 30 minutes apart to clear diesel exhaust safely. This operational challenge remains hidden from most travelers passing through.
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