Alpine Tunnel Palisade Wall Repair Status 7-2024

[Kurt Maechner]

Justin Kerns shared news on the repair work being done to the big Palisade Wall a few miles west of Alpine Tunnel. He posted the update and some great photos over on the Narrow Gauge Discussion Forum and graciously gave me permission to repost it on my blog here. The work has been a long time coming, but it's really exciting to see the end in sight.

Here's one of the pics:


Enjoy!
Kurt

[Paul R.]

Have they worked on preventive measures so it will not happen again in the near future.
Paul R.

[Chris Walker]

Paul,

the damage is historic, caused by snowslides and/or rockslides, and been like that since the first photographers captured the Great Rock Wall.
https://digital.denverlibrary.org/nodes/view/1117732

[Paul R.]

Chris I was meaning has the rockwall above the road been pinned or whatever to stop the same thing happening again in the near future.
Paul R.

[Kurt Maechner]

That's a great question, Paul. I'll ask Justin Kerns and see what he says.

[Kurt Maechner]

Here is Justin's reply to your question:
"Last year extensive rock scaling was done to mitigate the risk of rockfall contributing to future damage. But there isn't really anything to be done about torrential water or avalanches hitting the wall in that spot. The key is to maintain the wall and fix any damage as it occurs. The railroad never replaced any stones that washed away, which is why you see photos from the 1880's where the capstones have already disappeared at that spot. Eventually this weakens the wall to the point of potential failure. That having been said, they did put some mesh mats in the grade to assist with drainage and strength so that should also help (you can see these in some of the recent photos). Hopefully it will last another 120+ years without any major work being needed."

[Justin Kerns]

New progress photos from today 8/13/2024. There is still some work to be done but it's getting very close:

[Jeff Young]

Fantastic!

[Paul R.]

Second that one, looks better than new!!

[drgwcs]

From what it sounded like the next the next thing they were doing was roadwork. (the road is not open yet)  I have been amazed with how quickly these guys have worked. We ought to put these guys in charge of the highway departments!  (But not till after they finish this road)

[Justin Kerns]

A couple of drone shots:

[Reopen the Alpine Tunnel!!]

Absolutely amazing!

Really can't wait for the day when I will go see all of this in person. Hope the opportunity will arise soon enough!