Flathead Tunnel

Flathead Tunnel
Overview
Location Lincoln County, Montana, USA
Coordinates 48°33′03″N 114°57′22″W / 48.5508192°N 114.9561739°W / 48.5508192; -114.9561739Coordinates: 48°33′03″N 114°57′22″W / 48.5508192°N 114.9561739°W / 48.5508192; -114.9561739
Technical
Length 7.01 mi (11.28 km)

The Flathead Tunnel is a 7.01-mile (11.3-km) railroad tunnel in the Rocky Mountains approximately 42 miles (67 km) to the west of Whitefish, Montana. It is the second-longest tunnel in the United States. Speed through the tunnel is approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).

History

The construction of Libby Dam required the relocation of 60 miles (≈100 km) of the Burlington Northern Railroad tracks, relocating the town of Rexford, MT and the building of a new tunnel which opened in 1970. The east portal has a door that can be closed and fans to ventilate the tunnel.[1] It is currently part of the BNSF Railway system and used by Amtrak's Empire Builder.

See also

External links

References

  1. Montana Tunnels


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