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Garnedd Tunnel
From Festipedia, hosted by the FR Heritage Group
| Garnedd Tunnel | |
| |
|---|---|
| 15th May 1960 | |
| Previous Station | Tan y Bwlch |
| Status | Location |
| Next Location | Coed Y Bleiddiau Halt |
| Next Station | Dduallt |
| Latitude | 52:57:09.29N |
| Longitude | 03:59:57.23W |
| Grid Reference | SH657413 |
OSGrid:SH657413 Latt / Long :52.95260 / -3.99924
Located approximately half a mile east of Tan y Bwlch station. Prior to 1851, the year it was constructed, the line veered round the outside of the bluff through which the tunnel was cut.
Both these photos were taken on 15th May 1960, before any attempt had been made to restore the service here.
The 1836 route is still just visible, being the path used by PW staff to avoid being caught by trains in the tunnel. It is possible to see the start and end from the current track (though overgrown).
The tunnel is approximately 180 feet long. The tunnel is lined only for the first 5 yards from the tunnel mouth though maintenance and enlargement have necessitated a few sections where brick has been laid to strengthen it. There is a geographical fault line that runs across the tunnel. The 10 mph speed restriction is to minimise the chance of causing the fault to move.
This tunnel is one of the main restrictions for the loading gauge of the line (the eaves of the carriage roofs). One day a second man decided to go through the tunnel with his hand on the roof of Upnor Castle. He came out the other end with no skin on his knuckles - it is that tight!
