Page "Connaught Tunnel" Paragraph 3

Announced in February 1913, the contract was awarded on July 1, 1913, to Foley Bros. Welch and Stewart.

A small tunnel was built, from which cross cuts were made to the main tunnel so work could carry on at a number of headings.

The sub-contractor guaranteed to drill of tunnel per month and started on April 2, 1914.

Compressed air equipment and narrow gauge locomotives were used inside the tunnel.

The company town housed some 300 workers.

The tunnel was completed before the original deadline, with operation beginning December 16, 1916.

It had a grade of only 0. 95 per cent westward, and was tangent ; light at one end can be seen at the other, more than five miles away.