Construction Methods for Rogers Pass Tunnel

This paper describes the construction of the Rogers Pass Tunnel, on the Canadian Pacific Railway, through the Selkirk Range, in British Columbia. The principal feature of the paper is the description of the pioneer, or auxiliary heading, method of construction, by which: adequate ventilation of the headings was secured; the removal of the muck was facilitated; the water, air, and ventilation pipes were not subject to disturbance; it was possible to expedite the work of enlargement of the main heading; a route for men, tools, and materials was provided; and the ventilation pipes were carried around the drilling, blasting, and mucking operations in the main tunnel, thus preventing delays due to gas and smoke. The “pioneer heading” appears to have justified its use for this tunnel.