Tickhole Tunnel facts for kids
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Line | Main Northern railway |
| Location | Hunter Region, New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates | 32°56′38″S 151°41′11″E / 32.9440°S 151.6865°E |
| System | NSW Trains |
| Start | Kotara |
| End | Cardiff |
| Operation | |
| Owner | RailCorp |
| Technical | |
| Length |
|
| No. of tracks | 2 |
| Gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Electrified | 1984 |
The Tickhole Tunnel, also known as the Kotara (Tickhole) Railway Tunnel, is a special railway tunnel in New South Wales, Australia. It's considered a heritage site, meaning it's an important part of history. This tunnel helps trains on the Main Northern railway line travel underneath the Newcastle Inner City Bypass (a big road) and over Tickhole Creek. You can find it between the train stations of Cardiff and Kotara in the City of Newcastle.
Exploring the Tickhole Tunnel
The Tickhole Tunnel is a very important part of the railway system in New South Wales. It's a double track tunnel, which means it has two separate paths for trains. This allows trains to travel in both directions at the same time. The tunnel helps trains pass through a tricky area, going under a major road and crossing over a creek.
A Journey Through Time
The first part of the Tickhole Tunnel opened a long time ago, on 15 August 1887. This original tunnel was about 161-metre (176 yd) long. When it first opened, it only had one track for trains. However, the people who built it were smart! They planned ahead so that a second track could be added later.
Just a few years later, in 1891, the railway line was indeed made into a double track. This meant more trains could use the line, making travel easier and faster.
Modern Upgrades and New Tunnels
Many years later, in the 1980s, the railway line was updated to use electricity. This process is called "electrification." To make this possible, a second tunnel was needed. In 1983, plans were made for this new tunnel, which was completed in 1984. This newer tunnel is about 205 metres (673 ft) long.
Today, the newer tunnel is used by trains traveling south. The original tunnel, which is now single track again, is used by trains traveling north. This setup helps keep trains moving smoothly and efficiently through the area.
