Woodwackers visit tunnel
Construction crews had the pleasure of giving the original Woodwackers a tour of the Adra Tunnel. This was the original group that fundraised to open the tunnel in 2012. They made it 100 metres, but were stopped due to the fires inside the tunnel.
After the tour, the group enjoyed refreshments and got to hear old stories and honour the members who are no longer with them.
One member, Bob Coulter, told a story of riding a train through the Adra Tunnel when he was a young boy with his relative who was a steam locomotive engineer.
Another, Mary Cossentine, told the group the last time she rode through the tunnel was in 1947.
“It was a special day for everyone and was truly an honour to spend the day with the original Woodwackers and show them the progress,” said project worker Terry Field.
“We are completing the final phase of work that consists of resurfacing the tunnel floor, installing lighting and are aiming to open to the public on May 24th, with approval pending from the Province.”
Located between the former Kettle Valley Railway’s second and third track, it’s 16 km from Chute Lake and roughly 12 km to the Little Tunnel in Naramata, 8 km from Glenfir and a 40-minute car ride from Penticton.
Built in 1912, tradespeople now look at it as a marvel – a tunnel with a 180-degree turn and 2% grade. In those days there wasn’t the bureaucratic red tape that exists today and labour was a lot cheaper. It was built in less than a year.
Anyone wishing to donate to this restoration project may do so through the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen office at 100 Martin Street or the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan at 390 Main Street. Donations made to either organization allow for a tax receipt.