Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1857-10-24
For he indicator.
Glue Ridge Tunnel.

NlEssRs EpIToRs =
On the 14th inst, in company with
friend from abroad, [ visited the Tunnel.
in part, for the purpose of satisfying myself
as to the true condition of the work We
were highly gratifcd to find that the very
unreasonable reports that are afoat as to
the incomplete condition of the Tunnel arc
unfounded. The marvellous story that, the
distinguished Engineer in. charge, had com
mitted the objectionable blunder Of making
the Tunnel; too narrow by two feet, for one
thousand feet, is utterly false. The b.nei-
neer and contractors arc now engaged in
dressing up this stupendous work, which is
an imperishable monument to their skill
and energy. They are now passing over
the track frame structure as wide and high
as the largest cars, for the purpose of de-
tecting every projecting point of rock that
might come in contact with the cars by any
accidental change in the track, whsle in Use.
This, however, is nearly done, requiring
only few Days to finish. Tho Tunnel,
where it isnot already arched, appears to be
cut through one continuous rock of remark
able hardness and soundness, with the cx-
.ception of a few assures or veins at one or
two places, where, out of abundant caution,
1t will be arched with brick. This arching
can be continued with very little ineenve-
nionce while the track is in use, --tne Tun-
ncl being l6 feet in width and the cars on
ly aboNt 10 feet wide. The surface of the
Tunnel is not cut like dressed rock for q
building, but is irregular, in consequence
of the blasts tearing in, to different depths,
owing to the strenth and condition of the
rock, ranging from six inches to two feet
To make this surface smooth would cost a
vast sum of money, and would be wholly
unnecessary the mean width of the aper-
ture being 16 feet. Col. Crozet, with his
assistant, and the Contractors being present,
they very politely showed us the whole work,
and measured the narrowest places which we
discovered, and which proved those points
within few feet of the base, l5I fec. Wide
There are places whene the Tunnel would
measure Is feet. We were satisfied that
the Tunnel is wide enough and would be
safely used by the Central Railroad Compa-
ny, if desired. This work has been con-
Quoted under the most embarrassing cireum-
stances, on account Of deficiency of funds.
State bonds being under par, the Board of
Public Works were, at times, unable TO sup
ply means to carry on the work, and but for
the private funds of the Contractors, which
they employed, the work must have been
suspended. We had learned before, from
reliable authority. that the reason why the
whole Blue Ridge Road is net now used by
the Central Railroad Company, is, that the
Board of the latter did not agree with the
Board of Public Works as to the probabili-
ties of great slide which is threatened
from the side Of the mountain upon the
track near one of the small Tunnels, aud
also, as to the probable settling of the high
fills on the Blue Ridge Road 1t is hoped
that the Boards will agree at their noxt
meeting, and the Road will 60 Immediately
into successful operation.
OBSERVER.