Column: Sutro Tunnel Restoration project, 1-8-2023

Early on, drones were used to fly over the collapsed timbers and debris that had prevented anyone from entering the tunnel safely. It was not until the Friends of Sutro Tunnel organization stepped forward with a plan to restore the historic tunnel that there was any hope of making the tunnel safe for anyone to enter again. Now, thanks to generous donations from interested contributors, the restoration effort is becoming a reality.

When we visited the site recently, we saw the progress that is being made to restore the tunnel to the extent that visitors and tourists can actually enter the tunnel and experience the excitement of safely taking a conveyance that mules and ore cars once traveled many years ago. In previous articles, I have written that General Grant and President Hayes took such a trip all the way to Virginia City when they were here in the 1860’s. Years ago, I was working as a General Engineering Contractor on the largest tunnel project ever constructed by the Nevada Department of Transportation, the Carlin Tunnels in Elko County, Nevada. When the project was completed, I wrote the Final Report on the Project for NDOT.

To explain how the contractor at Sutro is approaching the restoration effort, they are using a device called the “Simerson Turtle.” The device is rated at over 19,000 pounds per linear foot. That Turtle and the first timber set were built outside of the tunnel. The crew had cleared all of the debris blocking the opening of the tunnel and dropped the turtle inside with help from Freedom Crane Co. The turtle was slid back and the timber set was then dropped in. Simerson is working on the leveling, additional timbers, clearing debris, and water mitigation (Since water still flows from the tunnel to a pond north of the portal) all under the protection of the “Turtle”. My observation of the work being done on the project is that I am impressed that the materials and workmanship are of exceptional Quality.

Once everything is safe and structurally sound, they will pour concrete on top of the timbers and then structural expanding foam which will then be covered by dirt. Then the next timber sets will be built under the protection of the turtle. When each set is built the turtle will be slid back to clear more debris followed by more timbers. They will work in this manner as far back as donor funding provides. It is because of your donations and the donations of some incredibly generous major donors, volunteers, tour tickets, merchandise, events, and the Northern Nevada community at large working together that has made the work so far possible. Thank you, everyone. Because of you, we’re able to restore this incredibly significant part of Nevada’s history.

Please visit their website below to learn how you can help restore this significant part of Nevada’s History.