Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-09-22
FROM THE RICHMOND TIMES.
REPORT OF SURVEYS
MADE FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE
LOUISA RAILROAD,
By the Northern and Southern Routes,
BY W. A. KUPER.
To The President and Directors Of Uie Louise
Railroad Company:

RailOad Company:
Gentlemen: have the honor of presenting vol
with the following report on the surveys made f,
the extension of the Louisa Railroad from its prc
sent terminus at Gordonsville To the base of tn
Blue Ridge.
Contemplating the Act of Assembly, and thu
provisions therein specified, it appeared from re
ports Of surveys previously made that three routes
would offer themselves for selection--first, a
Rockfish gap; secondly, at Payne's run gap am
thirdly at Powell's gap.
In view ofthese facts, and the wide extended ranpt
of country embraced between the extremes deem
ed 1t advisable first to make reconnaissance of the
country, as TO obtain general idea of its topo
graphy, and the conformation of the mountain
slopes, for the construction of railroad of easy
grades. The result of these examinations proved
highly satisfactory at point, but left doubt on
my mind as to the practicabty of the other two
Payne's run gap was satisfied to be higher than
Rockflsh gap, although it had been reported but
$50 feet above its base. Powell's gap | was a.
ware (tron The survey made in 1874, | believe, J
would require heavy grade To ascend to the houti,
OF the tunnel, but still felt strong hope. from APP
pearances, that this could be considerably reduced
In this, however, from causes unaccountable was
disappointed. However, 1 determined, as the most
satisfactory plan. to make an instrumental test of
the different passes proposed, particularly as the
parties contending Were confident of the merits
of their particular routes. In these trials | found
my opinion fully sustained as TO the heipht of
Payne's run gap, and the difficulties attending the
construction of railroad along the slopes of the
mountain at this point great, that the survey en-
braces only that portion known as the mountain
proper, 1t being in my mind useless to make any
further examinations, the following description,
with its result, will shew:
Commencing at the intersection of Doyle's creek
with Moorman's river, and nearly opposite White
hall, the line pursues the valley of said river to its
fork near j. iarriss-distance miles 500 feet
and ascent of 3S4 feet, and thence up the North
fork OF MOormans river, in narrow and confined
gorge, with high rock bluffs and precpices on each
side, the line reaches the summit of the mountain
in total distance of 10 miles 237O feet, and ele
walton of 1928 feet. Taking the lowest grade line
that could be assumed at 40 feet below the apex
OF The mountain, would give tunnel | ! miles long
and require, with grade of 20 feet per mile an
increased distance of miles over the line actu-
ally run, 10 obtain which, detour into Browns
cove would have to be made at right angles to the
line OF direction and over ground extremely rocky
and broken. This line being thus abandoned the
choice OF routes for your road rests between Rock
fish gap and Powell's gap, the estimate OF cost. Sc
OF each OF which are presented for your considera-
ton under their respective heads, as follows
ROCKFiSH GAP ROUTE.
This survey commences at a point on the Rail
road llne near the crossing Of the county road $50
feet south Of the depot. Thence following said
road for distance of 22O0 feet, and course y. Is
w., the line makes an abrupt turn, to a general
course OF ). % W., south and parallel with the
charlottesville stage road, and thence passing
south OF Capt. Lindsay's house, and north of Tn,
ION Hall, to the summit of the ridge dividing the
waters OF the James and York rivers, distance 5
miles 100 feet. On permanent location the line
at Gofdonsville will have to commence 400 feet
further back, and curve of 46 feet radius de-
Scrlblng nearly SemclTcle, run to obtain the pro-
per direction; from thence it is possible straight
line to the summit of the ridge above mentioned
can be obtained, and not vary materially the cost
oil the work. On this portion Of the distance not
wlthSianding the grades unduate to their maxi
mum, there will be some heavy work encountered
and several streams TO be crossed, requiring LARGE
openings TO give vent to the sudden accumulation
of water to which they are subject. The plan
which have adopted for this purpose of building
wooden trestleS on stone foundations raised 2 feet
above the surface OF the ground, in place of arched
culverts, will, am confident answer much bet
ter purpose both regards safety to the road bed
during high ireshets and their prime cost If de-
sired further TO add to their durability, the whole
structure be weather boarded by nailinp to the
diagonal braces. The estimate for this kind Of
work, including foundations. on liberal caIcuIa-
ton Will cost for a height of D feet at the rate of
ga per foot run, and on in proportion to height
Inc line leaving the ridge descends into the val
ley OF hechunck creek, pursuing the same to the
/ : mile station. The line to this point can be
traced with but few changes of direction tanoents
OF to mile IN length and curves OF large radius
obtained The fall of this part of Mechunck creek
Is at an average OF % feet per mile with great uni
iormiiy O surface, the principal work necessary in
TINS distance being to raise an embankment OF from
) to feet in height sufficient to place the road
bed above high water mark. Indeed, the idea of
SO favorable route existing. to a person viewing
the country on the main road 10 charlottesville
would appear prepOSterous. As evidence of this
fact. we have only to be reminded OF the general
opinion entertained OF It's cost.
From the IL mile station the line leaves the
nlechunck creek, making angle to the RIGHT of
% degs., and bearing n. G2i w, and crossing two
ridges strikes the lluckstep branch thence Dassinu
little north Of Mr.. Huckslep's house. ascenjs
with a maximum grade, crosses the ridge one
fourth OF a mile south of the Brick Church. the
Stage road at Mrs Rogers saw MILL and on to the
summit between Mrs. Rogers house and said road
distance from GordOnsvllle IL miles 1880 feet.
There will be in this distance an embankment
> teet high required to cross the Hucksep branch.
and cut OF - feet at the summit, back of the
BRICK Church-the other portions are generally ia
vorabe.
Resumiug the general direction at this point the
line descends to the Rivanna river with confirm
Gus grade Of so feet per mile to near the l7th
mile station, passing in its descent to the north of
Everettsvlle, and leaving T. j. RsndoIph's house
about one quarter Of mile to the right
The country which is passed over in this dis
tance is rather broken, and the first indications OF
rock emitting met with--thC estimate embracing an
allowance fOt that item
Leaving this station, and quarter Of a mile in
advance, the line falls into the stage road near the
Shadweli mills; pursuing the same for short dis
lance 1t IS again sustained on the hill side to the
north OF said road, to the point at which it becomes
necessary to cross the Eivanna riyef-distance 10
! miles $50 feet