Such problems for the towns of Adams, Bolder,Jefferson, Grand, Routt, Gilpin, Eagle and other Denver counties, were solved by the Moffet Tunnel between Denver and Gilpin.
The plan called for a pioneer bore, 8 feet high and 9 feet wide, basically to provide advance information about conditions and access to the main tunnel, as it advanced. There were some discouraging results with soft ground requiring the necessitating costly reinforcements. Water seepage exceeded expectation, as a lower level found a fissure, which was a drainage from Lower Crater Lake.
It was the hope that the tunnel could be completed by 1926 in conjunction with Colorado's 50th Anniversary to Statehood, but only by Feb 1927 did the teams operating from the East and West, joined together the "bore". And not until a year later was the tunnel complete. The initial estimate of cost was set at $7,000,000, but ran a total of $18,000.000, with 29 fatalities, with a completion of 24 feet in height, 16 feet wide, and 7 and 2/10ths miles long.
The distance between Denver and Grand Junction was reduced by 175 miles via the Moffat Tunnel.
There are a goodly number of tunnel throughout the country which help to aid the transportation systems for both railroads and automobiles. But this is one of which is part of a book soley based on the history of Colorado. Another part of history which has helped to make America the land of opportunity.
Hope you enjoy.
