The Simplon Tunnel.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7371, 19 November 1898, Page 4

The Simplon Tunnel.

A GREAT WORK. The work of constructing tha tunnel through the Simp]on was inaugurated recently both on the Italian and Swiss sides. It will be the longeßt in the world, and one of the most important, as it will put the Mediterranean (through the port of Genoa) in direct communication with West and Central Switzerland, and with Central Europe. It is likely to be a great rival of the Mont Cenis and St. Gothard route. The Simplon tunnel will be 12£ miles long, while the Mont Cenis is only about 10 miles, and the St. Gothard a little over nine. The opening of the tunnel on the Swiss side will be near Brigue, at 680 metres above the level of the sea, and on the Italian side near Iselle, at 750 metres. This great engineering feat will, in reality, consist of two tunnels, one for the railway and one for ventilation, connected by galleries. The work is being conducted at the expense of the Italian and Swiss Governments and will cost about L 3,000,000. It will take nearly five years and a half to complete. The hydraulic power for this gigantic undertaking will be obtained on the Swiss side from the Phone, which will supply from 1180 to 2360 h.p , and on the Italian side from the Cairasca River, which will give 2260 hp. The hygienic precautions for the benefit of the great number of working men to be employed are practically perfect. Each man before being engaged will be required to pass the doctor, and there will be periodical examinations to ensure that no one is suffering from contagious disease. The huts of employees will also be carefully inspected with a view to their proper sanitation. Each workman will wear a special dress in working hours, after which he will be obliged to take a bath. Thuß it is hoped that the perfect health of the operating staff will be secured. The North Italian Press strongly favors the fcheme of systems by a Junction line between Locarno and Pallanza.