CP FP7A no. 1413 leads the eastbound Canadian out of the Connaught Tunnel below Rogers Pass in the Selkirk Range of the Canadian Rockies. The 5 mile tunnel was completed in 1916, lowering the elevation for CP from 4,342 ft. to 3,794 ft., lowering the grade and shortening the route by 4.3 miles. As can be seen in the photo, the tunnel was designed for double track which was replaced by a centered single track in 1958 which permitted trips-level auto racks to roll through. Traffic increases forced CP to construct the Mt. MacDonald Tunnel which saw its first train on November 9, 1988 and officially opened in May 1989. The Mt. MacDonald Tunnel at 9.11 miles become the longest tunnel in North America, surpassing BN's Cascade Tunnel in WA state. The Connaught Tunnel remains in use, allowing CP a double track crossing of Rogers Pass.
Huge Album that Includes over 2,600+ photos of classic passenger trains across USA & Canada before and during the time of Amtrak & VIA Rail. More Images will be Added.
