The Changing Face of the East Portal-video

[Kurt Maechner]

I have visited the east portal of the Alpine Tunnel a handful of times over the last nearly 3 decades.  Each time I notice that the rock around and above the portal are strikingly different.  My visit in 2018, though, showed the most dramatic changes of all.  I decided to compile various photos of the east portal from construction to the current time to show the changes that have taken place.

It is sad, knowing that we seem to have lost sight of the arch entirely at the east portal.  However, maybe some hardy soul will someday dig another hole and find it.

In the meantime, enjoy this video.

[Don Gustavson II]

Well done. Thanks.

[Rick Steele]

Hi Kurt, Since you seem to like the East Portal, here is one from a moving train.

But I only see a door on one side of the portal.

Rick

[Kurt Maechner]

What a great pic!  Thanks! I've never seen that one before.
Kurt

[Rick Steele]

This one is also labeled "Alpine Tunnel".

I think that it's the approach to East Portal. It sure doesn't look like the West Side.

The problem is that the hillside doesn't look steep enough on the right side of the photo.

Perhaps further down the Mountain near Hancock or Atlantic?

Rick

[Kurt Maechner]

I think that second photo is facing away from the west portal.  The track after going around the 'slide' hill leads to the station complex.  In this photo you can see the same mountain in the back.

There is a drop off to the right of the grade for the last mile leading to the east portal.  This picture below is look back a 1/2 mie or so downgrade from the east portal, but is typical of that stretch.


Where are your two photos from?  Are they in a book?
Kurt

[Kurt Maechner]

I should say "to the right of the grade" when going upgrade. :)

[Jim Courtney]

Beautiful photos Rick! Thanks for posting them.

[Rick Steele]

No Kurt, they are from Fred and Jo Mazulla's collection. I have never seen them published either. All that they are marked on the back is "Alpine Tunnel".

The photo looking back from West Portal makes sense as the East Portal shot was also looking back. Thanks, I have wondered about that.

I have these prints.

Rick