The bridge information is in the track chart. The swing span was constructed 1892, and the remainder was constructed in 1899. The tunnel dates to the construction of the original rail line and bridge. The spans from the original bridge were later relocated around the area, even reaching as far as Mississippi. I can upload the track chart for the tunnel and bridge later.
Since this tunnel was built before the bridge wouldn't that make the bridge older,John?That's what I'm thinking.
The date Clark provides isn’t surprising either. I never really had an estimate for the tunnel, especially because one portal appears to date from the late 1890s or early 1900s. But the tunnel being original to the rail line does make sense. Thanks Clark for finding that info!
John,thanks for answering me about the tunnel but I think the tunnel is older than what you estimate.I read the article Clark posted and saw an older date from when the bridge was opened for traffic along with the tunnel I'm guessing.Anyway,this is one old tunnel!
Some info from Encyclopedia Dubuque:
http://www.encyclopediadubuque.org/index.php?title=DUNLEITH_...
It appears the tunnel was built when the original bridge was with some of the stone mined going into the bridge piers.
I’m not sure how much CN is going to be willing to help. I haven’t come across any IC blueprints before either. Normally, the IC charts are very well put together, complete with dates. I’ll search through a couple more and see what I come up with. A date of 1899 wouldn’t surprise me however.
Thanks John for responding.Would CN or Illinois Central know when it was built or who built the tunnel being that if Illinois Central is still in business?Looks like an old tunnel.
George,
The track chart I have gives a total length of 851’. No build date was given, but it may date back to the first Mississippi River crossing here; but also may have been built in 1899 when the crossing was rebuilt
I have a couple of questions.How long is this tunnel and when was it built?Looks like a very interesting tunnel being that it's curved.
Thanks John for clearing that up.
Just wondering about the dates.