If you’ve ever found yourself driving along Interstate 80 just east of the tiny community known as Carlin, chances are you passed through a set of tunnels known collectively as Carlin Tunnel. Believe it or not, these tunnels have been around for well over a century. You may be thinking “What’s the big deal?”, but you have to consider the history that has traveled through these tunnels over the years. In fact, Carlin Tunnel is a must-see for any Nevadan who enjoys exploring the places that have made our state the place that it is today. Take a look:
Construction on Carlin Tunnel first began in 1903 by the Southern Pacific Railroad. They've become a notable landmark in Nevada over the years and it's their history that makes them so fascinating.
The tunnels were meant to be part of straightening the First Transcontinental Railroad, since prior to this time the railroad followed the curved river through the canyon.
The second tunnel was constructed by the Western Pacific Railroad for the Feather River Route, a historic rail line that connected Oakland with Salt Lake City. It's been over a century but trains still regularly travel through these tunnels, even to this day.
U.S. Route 40 was originally routed through the canyon's old railroad grade and with the construction of I-80, two more bores were constructed to accommodate increased traffic. All in all, Carlin Tunnel encompasses four separate bores.
The tunnel themselves have made the news a handful of times over the years. Soon after the Carlin Tunnel was originally constructed, a 1908 rock slide caused the Southern Pacific tunnel to collapse and a huge effort was made to save the historic rail line. In 1939, a City of San Francisco passenger train derailed nearby and killed 24 people. The derailment was later ruled as sabotage.
The average traveler may drive through these tunnels without giving it a second thought, but the historic value of these impressive tunnels must be acknowledged. After all, a lot of history has made its way through these tunnels over the past 116 years.
Experience Carlin Tunnel for yourself. Check out the brief YouTube video below of this iconic landmark, courtesy of DiversifyNevada.
Have you ever driven through Carlin Tunnel? Do you know any other fascinating stories associated with these tunnels? Let us know in the comments! It turns out the Silver State is home to all sorts of interesting man-made wonders. Have you seen this amazing hiking trail that takes you through an abandoned train tunnel?
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