One was actually designed to save lives and one for saving time, yet both of these are sometimes referred to as tunnels.
The one on the top is called a “Snow or Avalanche Shed”. The concrete construction deflects falling snow and water runoff allowing it to pass over top while traffic continues to flow underneath.
Between Golden, and Revelstoke, British Columbia, the Trans Canada Highway #1 winds through “Glacier National Park”. You’ll be much safer today, than in years past, traveling through its mountain range with a deadly history. Five snow sheds have been built on a stretch of this highway called the “Rogers Pass”.
Discovered in 1881, the “Rogers Pass” was first used by the railroad in 1885.
Weather conditions can change drastically and quickly on the pass with a summit elevation of 1,330 meters/ 4,360 feet. Add, roughly 10 meters/32.81 feet of heavy snowfall per year to the sheer height and steepness of the Selkirk Mountains and you get perfect avalanche conditions.
Even with 31 wooden snow sheds over the rail tracks, for 30 years deadly avalanches plagued the railroad. In 1913 they began digging the 8.083 kilometre/5.022 mile tunnel called the “Connaught Tunnel” under Mount Macdonald. Once completed in 1916 trains quit going up and over the “Rogers Pass”.
In 1988 the railroad also opened the 14.7 kilometre/9.1 mile “Mount Macdonald Tunnel” to supplement growing freight traffic. Trains now travel east through the “Connaught Tunnel” and west through the “Mount Macdonald Tunnel”.
Sections of abandoned rail line ground over the pass were later used for the current Trans Canada Highway #1 finished in 1962 and called the “Rogers Pass.” It replaced the older (1940-62) “Big Bend Highway” which followed the Columbia River for 305 kilometres/190 miles through the Selkirk Mountain valley. It was a seasonal, perilous, and gravel highway always closed in the winter because of heavy snowfall. The pass also shorted drive time between Golden and Revelstoke by 5 hours.
Tunnels like in the bottom picture are designed as shortcuts, or in the least a simpler path. The pictured one is 1 of 7 on the Fraser Canyon highway (the Gold Rush Trail) between Hope and Boston Bar. They were constructed in 1957-64, and range in length between 57 meters/187 feet to 610 meters/2000 feet.
Did you know the design differences of these tunnels before this post?
Have you ever encountered tunnels or snow sheds on a highway?
Since reading Stephen Kings novel “The Stand” years ago, I can’t help thinking of situations from that book when traveling through tunnels.
Has anyone else read “The Stand” and knows what I’m talking about?
kathy knull 
The tunnels along the Fraser route were always a highlight for me, even when I wasn’t a kid any more. There are snow sheds on the Coquihalla highway; not as exciting as tunnels but definitely necessary. We used to drive between Saskatoon and Vancouver Island in the ’80s, several times in winter.
LikeLike
The Coquihalla is one of the other routes we have also taken many times to get to the coast. I agree tunnels are a bit more interesting then snow sheds. That’s a long drive you use to make, especially in the winter. Ours is only from central Alberta.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We were a lot younger then, so it was an adventure. We took our two cats with us too. 😺 😺 The Yellowhead route through Jasper is a bit easier than the #1, I think. Although once we hit the ditch near Blue River, BC (no injuries or damage, fortunately), and I remember at least one trip in a heavy snowstorm. Those were the days!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Time of the year and weather usually helps us decide a route. Yes, when we were younger we would do central Alberta to Vancouver in a day, now we take two. That would have been scary hitting the ditch, glad to hear it was without injuries or damage.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve driven through tunnels like this, but did not know the origins! And I don’t read Stephen King since The Shining freaked me out when I was 17!,
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never really thought much about the history of these tunnels until this last trip. Stephen Kings books can be scary reads, I pick and choose. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love history, so I’m always interested in the origin of things
LikeLiked by 1 person
I never knew! Thanks for the education! I’ll be on the lookout during our travels now that I know about them and the difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Often when driving details like these differences can go by unnoticed. 😊 Mister does most of our driving, so when we’re on a road we’ve seen many times I like to look for things to research.
LikeLike
A hugh Avalanche Shed was built on Highway 1 along the California coast after a avalanche of rocks took out part of the well-traveled road in the Big Sur area. It appeared to be an amazing feat of engineering and I was very grateful to see it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are a great engineering feat, and we’re lucky to have them being built were they are needed. We hope to do a complete west cost roadtrip one day, maybe I’ll get to see the Big Sur one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you do also… it’s so beautiful along that drive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I lived in Seattle for three years. I’m familiar with avalanche sheds and the benefit they provide. I like tunnels, too. I’ve driven along the Frasier River canyon twice (once on a motorcycle) and I think it’s one of the most beautiful rides I’ve ever taken. Thanks for the memory jog.
LikeLike
They do make driving areas where they are needed more reassuring. I quite like long windy tunnels. I bet the Fraser Canyon Highway was a great experience on a motorcycle.
LikeLike
Living in BC, and having relatives across Alberta, I am incredibly grateful for these tunnels. They continue to save many lives….and to reduce winter driving stress!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your situation is similar to us, except we live in Alberta with lots of relatives in BC.
Many of the mountain routes have certainly improved considerably in my life time.
Did you ever travel the, Big Bend Highway? I never did but my husband was born in BC and he did many times.
LikeLike
An engineering wonder, we watched the train go through the Cunnuck tunnel, as we enjoyed a journey from Edmonton to Vancouver one xmas. Of course we spent a lot of time visiting with past train employees, listening to their stories of the railroad and enjoying the bar car. The highway one route is much better now with all the tunnels and snow sheds being illuminated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are amazing. That must have been a beautiful trip, and I’m sure you heard some interesting stories.
LikeLike
Tunnels make me claustrophobic but I know they serve an important purpose.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, especially if they are long and curved so you can’t see the end. At least the snow sheds are usually open along the outside edge.
LikeLike
Okay, don’t think I am traveling by train in the winter. LOL!
While going by train this past summer to British Columbia we did go through tunnels and I would have the thought of what if we get stuck in here! I was always glad to get back out and see the light of day. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, we’re not real big fans of winter travel anymore. I’ve never done it by rail, but I’ve had my share of road trips where you can’t wait until you enter a mountain road tunnel just so you can step on the brakes to slow down without being on the ice and snow outside.
Where did your summer train trip take you? Did you enjoy it?
LikeLike