Mud Tunnel Challenges 2000-2004

Cole, as you can gather from Earl's post, the unstable and shifting nature of the strata which Mud Tunnel goes through has been a serious problem for the C&TS, and likely for the D&RGW ever since the line was constructed.

Notwithstanding the considerable work done in the eighties to correct the serious problems described by Earl, by 2001 the tunnel was again becoming a threat. In November an FRA inspector identified serious deterioration in bents and liners at both ends and evidence that the strata had been shifting. The inspector also recommended tension gauges be installed to measure any shifting.

The FRA assessment was no surprise because back in 2000 RGRPC had worked with the track and tunnel engineering firm, Milbor-Pita, on a series of recommendations to the Commission to correct the tunnel's increasing instability. Some work was authorized by the Commission using monies from an EDA trackwork grant, but there was little progress, so come May of 2002 the FRA requested the Commission suspend passenger train service due to lack of progress on the tunnel and problems at Martinez Point and other locations.

By August the Commission had submitted plans acceptable to the FRA, and train service resumed, but with close monitoring of Mud Tunnel. Eventually by September of 2004 the Commission and tunnel contractor, Centennial Engineering, thanks in part to EDA grants, completed over $200,000 in extensive reinforcement and strengthening of the tunnel, the results of which you see today. As I recall the man in charge was an Aussie mining tunnel engineer. As far as I know the work has been successful, but keep your fingers crossed.