Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-01-03

Rig Ridge between Catawba and Allison's Greeks
the route of the Railroad but the elevation of the
line at the heads of those creeks is great that the
| directness of their course which so Immediately
points to them the route for the road, forms in
this case their main objection, for the reason that
they do not afford sufficient distance for available
grades. TO obviate this difficulty it became neces-
sary to make the dctour to the south before men,
toned, and tunnel through Bigg Ridge, as laid down
on the map. In farther examination preparatory to
a final location it may be found that the tunnel,
! 22O0 feet long through Big Ridge, may be some
what shortened by crossing the ridge little lower
down. 1t is also believed that the tunnel through the
Blue Ridge may be reduced in length, and that the
whole line is susceptible of Improvement in all its
most Objectionable features.
The estimated cost of this section is So, 079, 265
Hr.-PIEDMoNT SECTION.
From the mouth of Crooked Greek to the mouth of
Wards Branch, 81 miles,
With the view of cutting off the bends of the
Catawba, this section of the railroad carried
the country passing through Marion and near
Morganton. The uniform character of the high and
numerous ridges Of which Snowfall is the principal,
which the line, establishes the fact ofwhich en-
terained but little donb before running the line, that
the road must of necessity, conform to the valley of
the Catawba Nevertheless, estimate of the line,
MS run, has been prepared and the accompanying
maps number ed9 TO- IL, IL and 10, together with the
profles and tabular statements, will show its direc-
ton and character
In lieu of the estimate on this line, however,
propose substituting estimate of the cost of the
valley route prcGicated upon portion actually
vcyed, and comparison Herewith of the remainder
not fundamentally examined In this way make
the cost of this division Of the road 1886, 449.
1v.-EAsTERN SECTION.
From the mouth of Wards Branch to the termna-
ton of the railroad, II Ito miles.
This section follows the valley of the Catawba
river to a sudden bend at Long Shoal, about two
miles above Oxford's Ford, where the line crosses
the river and continues in the valley to Island Creek
up which it ascends, crossing on the way three
prongs of Elk Shoal Greek to Norton Ridge, which
divides the waters of the Yadkn from those of the
Catawba then along this ridge to the North Carroll
Railroad, Mrs PartccS aud thence along
the North Carolina Railroad t. Salisbury. Maps
number 10, IA, Is, l6, H. l9 10, %, 81 and D. the
tables and protiles show the direction and charac-
teriScs OF the ling.-The route however, which
will probably upon farther examination, prove to
be the best and most direct to Salisbury, will leave
the line just described in the vicinity of st
Mchaels church, thence along the ridge, dividing
Third and Nithrows creeks. and thence across
Grants creek to the town of Salisbury. also sug-
gcst for future examinations line leaving the val
ley of the Catawba at the mouth of Horse Ford
creek ascending along Spring branch to Buffalo
creek thence down this creek 10 its mouth, thence
the Catawb a river at Buffalo Shoals thence
up the valley Of IL small stream to union with the
line first described Kyles road and thence
70 lowing it to Salisbury The chief objection to
this line will be the grades encountered i'll crossing
the bend of the Catawba, between Horse Ford and
Buffalo creeks, its lcngth will be about the
that terminating at Mrs Partce's and the variati
in cost, II any, VIII be 50 neon Siderable that the
estimates ufthe line to Mrs. PatceS which is ,42S
23O may be assumed as the of the other.
Sumaary Of TIE cost ef the $40 tnano~ G"p route
1876 7S-lU0 miles long,
Western Sec,on-For excavation, cmbanE,ncnt,
bridge and other masonary, and bridge supcrstruc-
ture, roadway superstructure, engineering and gen
ea administration, warehouses; water stations, land
damages and oversccrs' houses $l.l39,g20 |
Mountain Division, for do. 3,079, 265 |
Piedmont Division, for do. SSG,448 |
Eastern Division, for do. LAS, $50 |
Repair shops and warehouses at the
termini of the road 10000 !
Locomotives 80, at S., 800 $50 900 |
Passenger coaches, 30 at 50, 500, $4,000 |
Baggage cars, 10, at s., 500, 5000 |
Freight cars, 500, at $3.50, 322 600
Gravel cars 100, at $3.50, 10000