44-652: The Ten Tunnels Deviation is a heritage-listed 9.2-kilometre (5.7 mi) section of the Main Western Line between Newnes Junction and Zig Zag stations in Lithgow , New South Wales , Australia. It was designed and built by the New South Wales Government Railways and built from 1 June 1908 and 16 October 1910. It is also known as Great Zig Zag Railway deviation tunnels and Bell to Zig Zag Ten Tunnel Railway Deviation . It
88-512: A 'Z' including reversing points . It involved extremely heavy rock cuttings, three fine stone viaducts with 30-foot (9.1 m) semi-circular arches and a short tunnel. The Lithgow Zig Zag was replaced in 1910 by a deviation, which included ten tunnels. From the western foot of the Blue Mountains, the line was promptly extended to Wallerawang by 1870, Tarana in 1872, Bathurst , Blayney in 1876 and Orange in 1877. By 1877, there
132-698: A 61-metre (200 ft) cutting, the deepest cutting on the NSW rail system. Journey times were reduced by 20 to 30 minutes. The original 1869 Main Western single line headed north from Mount Victoria along the ridge known as the Darling Causeway. It then turned west and entered the Dargan's Creek valley. After climbing out the head of this valley it reached an escarpment where the Zigzag was constructed to reach
176-561: A more circuitous route via the tunnels to emerge from the final one near the base of the Zig Zag. Supplies to the line during construction were provided by a funicular railway that descended 107 metres (350 ft) from the ridge to a location near No. 10 tunnel. Up to 1500 day employees worked on the project. The deviation was part of the duplication of the Main Western Railway between Penrith and Lithgow. Upon completion
220-458: A significant geographical barrier to the development of western New South Wales, and the crossing required significant feats of engineering for the railways, including two 'Zig Zags': one for the ascent at Lapstone, and another for the western descent. The first "little" zigzag line opened near Glenbrook in 1867 as part of the ascent of Lapstone Hill on a gradient of 1 in 30–33. It was built with comparatively light earthwork, although it included
264-532: A substantial seven-span sandstone viaduct (the Knapsack Viaduct) built by engineer, John Whitton . By 1910, the line was replaced with a gentler alignment with 1 in 60 (1.67%) grades. The line reached Wentworth Falls in 1867 and Mount Victoria in 1868. On the western descent from the Blue Mountains, the Lithgow Zig Zag was constructed between 1866 and 1869. It was laid out in the shape of
308-728: Is a major railway in New South Wales , Australia. It runs through the Blue Mountains , and Central West regions. It is 825 kilometres (513 mi) long, of which 484 kilometres (301 mi) is currently operational. The Main Western Railway Line is a westwards continuation of what is known as the Main Suburban Line between Sydney Central station and Granville . The line is six electrified railway tracks between Central and Strathfield , where
352-555: Is intact and has high integrity. As at 28 April 2010, the Ten Tunnel Deviation is of state significance due to its historical associations with the second phase of railway crossing across the Great Dividing Range. It is of a high level of technical significance as a large scale engineering achievement of the early 20th century including excavation of the deepest cutting on the NSW rail system. The project
396-824: Is representative of brick-arch construction used for tunnelling during the early 20th century railway deviations in NSW. [REDACTED] This Misplaced Pages article contains material from Great Zig Zag Railway deviation tunnels , entry number 01037 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 2 June 2018. [REDACTED] Media related to Ten Tunnels Deviation at Wikimedia Commons Main Western railway line, New South Wales The Main Western Railway
440-740: Is still in use today. The tunnels form part of a larger railway landscape in the Lithgow area and across the Blue Mountains including the Zig Zag railway, Dargan's Creek Deviation, Eskbank Goods Yard and the State Mine Colliery railway. The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales. The Ten Tunnel Deviation illustrates high level technical achievement for tunnelling, engineering and railway building practices. The work included excavation of
484-471: The Broken Hill line branches), Wellington , Dubbo , Narromine , Nevertire , Nyngan , Byrock and to Bourke . The section between Nyngan and Bourke is now closed. The Central West XPT operates as far as Dubbo. The Sydney Railway Company , a private company established to serve the interests of the port of Sydney, announced proposals to build a railway line to Bathurst in 1848. The company
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#1732782445800528-485: The Broken Hill line ) and the once weekly NSW TrainLink Sydney to Broken Hill Xplorer DMU. The section to Lithgow carries electric commuter trains to and from Sydney (the Blue Mountains Line ). Clarence, New South Wales Clarence is a location in New South Wales , Australia . It was originally a railway outpost on the original railway line across the Blue Mountains , but by 1908 when Clarence
572-626: The Commonwealth Oil Corporation 's Newnes railway line. When the deviation was completed, much of the equipment was moved to the deviation of the Lapstone Zig Zag , as well as the navvies. As a result, the population of Clarence declined rapidly. The deviation was electrified along with the rest of the line in 1957. In 1978, the roadbed of the Ten Tunnels was lowered to allow double deck V sets to operate on
616-658: The Main Northern line branches off. The line is then four tracks as it passes through Lidcombe , where the Main Southern line branches off, and then through the Sydney suburbs of Parramatta and Blacktown , where the Richmond railway line branches off. At St Marys , the line becomes two tracks as it passes through Penrith and Emu Plains , the extent of Sydney suburban passenger train operation. From Emu Plains,
660-644: The SRA in 1982. These speeds were subsequently reduced to 115km/h due to signalling deficiencies discovered in 2007. In the 1990s the operator of interstate freight, the National Rail Corporation , made the decision to divert Sydney- Perth traffic from the Blue Mountains section, to travel via the Main South line to Cootamundra , and then via the cross country line to Parkes . This resulted in reduced goods traffic and subsequent reduction of
704-456: The 1970s. Passenger services beyond Dubbo ended in 1974. Electrification reached Parramatta in 1928 and Penrith in 1955. In the 1950s, the section of the line over the Blue Mountains was electrified primarily as a means of easing the haulage of coal freight from the western coalfields to the coastal ports, but a by-product of this programme was the introduction of electric interurban passenger services as far west as Bowenfels, later cut back to
748-401: The Dargan's Creek Valley on the northern side of the creek instead of the south. The line was still single-track at this point, and this soon became a bottleneck. In order to alleviate this, electric staff crossing loops were added at Edgecombe in 1901 (between Clarence and Top Points) and Dargan's in 1902 (between Bell and Clarence). In 1906, a new junction and station were constructed at
792-675: The Main Western Line, some of which remain operational. Goods traffic continues as far as Nyngan, to and from the Cobar branch which connects at this point. NSW TrainLink operates the Central West Express XPT service to Dubbo and a twice daily return passenger service to Bathurst using DMU Endeavour rolling stock. The section between Sydney and Orange carries the Indian Pacific train to Perth (via
836-402: The New South Wales rail system. The tunnels are numbered from the Sydney end of the deviation. The tunnel portals are elliptically shaped with concrete used for floor and up to the start of the arch and brickwork for the arches. The tunnels are of masonry (brick) construction. As at 28 April 2010, generally good condition. A 2007 structural report notes the following: The Ten Tunnel Deviation
880-618: The Zig Zag Cooperative, and took over the track between the original Clarence station and Bottom Points, and today the Zig Zag Railway is a successful tourist operation based at the restored Clarence station. A new Cityrail platform, Zig Zag was constructed on the Main Western line to allow public transport access to the Zig Zag. The previous stations at Newnes Junction and Clarence have closed, with little trace of
924-455: The current terminus of Lithgow. Since the late 1990s goods trains are now exclusively diesel hauled, with the only electric trains being passenger services using double deck interurban cars. In 1980, quadruplication of the track between Blacktown and St Marys was completed. With the introduction of the XPT , the tracks between Blacktown & St Marys were authorised for 160km/h track speeds by
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#1732782445800968-476: The deepest cutting on the NSW rail system. The construction involved up to 1500 employees per day. It resulted in journey times reduced by 30 minutes and the track gradient reduced from 1 in 41 to 1 in 90 which allowed a doubling in the load of trains. The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. The Ten Tunnel Deviation has research significance in providing evidence on
1012-405: The deviation comprised ten tunnels of varying length from 70 to 825 metres (77 to 902 yd). The work also included the excavation of the deepest cutting of 61 metres (200 ft) on the NSW rail system. Journey times were reduced by 20 to 30 minutes. Also, the gradient was reduced from 1 in 42 to 1 in 90, thereby allowing a doubling in the loads of trains. In 1972, a group of enthusiasts formed
1056-500: The first Newnes Junction Station. The junction was for the private Newnes railway line . By 1910, it had become evident that a new route was required for the descent to Lithgow. Accordingly, a new route, known as the Ten Tunnels Deviation, was built and the Dargan's Creek Deviation was closed. The existing stations were all closed, with Newnes Junction relocated closer to Sydney , and a new Clarence station built where
1100-538: The latter remaining. The Act approving the construction of the double-line deviation was passed by the New South Wales Parliament in December 1906. Construction started near the former Oakey Park Colliery on the 1 in 42 Bottom Road, which had already been duplicated in 1880. It eventually passed Bottom Points before entering a series of ten tunnels. Originally eleven were planned, but one of them
1144-489: The line between Wallerawang and Tarana from double to single track. Significant flooding saw the line cut between Nyngan and Bourke in April 1989, and the army destroyed a section of track north of Nyngan to relieve flood waters surrounding the town. It was not financially viable to repair and maintain the line, and the line was thus abandoned between Nyngan and Bourke. Many branch lines were built or being built from and/or to
1188-489: The line goes under the Bells Line of Road . The Newnes Line closed after 25 years of operation in 1932, and only the formation remains. The Ten Tunnel Deviation started at Newnes Junction and finished at Bottom Points (now Zig Zag platform). As its name suggests, it featured 10 new tunnels, and it bypassed the Zig Zag. The new route broadly followed the previous one as far as Newnes Junction, before turning south and taking
1232-467: The line traverses the Blue Mountains passing through Katoomba and Mount Victoria before descending down the western side of the Blue Mountains through ten tunnels to Lithgow . Lithgow is the extent of urban electric passenger train services, although the electric wires extend slightly to Bowenfels . The line then proceeds through Wallerawang , where the line becomes single track, and then passes through Tarana , Bathurst , Blayney , Orange (where
1276-446: The line. In 2018, modifications are planned to accommodate the D sets . The deviation comprises ten tunnels of varying length from 70 to 825 metres (77 to 902 yd) that carry the double-track 1,435 mm ( 4 ft 8 + 1 ⁄ 2 in ) standard gauge Main Western line between Newnes Junction and Lithgow Zig Zag stations. The work also included the excavation of the deepest cutting of 61 metres (200 ft) on
1320-412: The more dangerous tunnelling activities, which were carried out by day and night; with approximately 1,500 employees working each day. The tunnels were situated on a maximum grade of 1 in 90. The line curves towards Newnes Junction after leaving the tunnels at the eastern end. Newnes Junction also had to be moved 660 metres (2,170 ft) to its current place, and two more tracks were also constructed for
1364-425: The site of Nevertire in 1882, serving the nearby established village of Warren (a branch opened to Warren in 1898). Construction reached the site of Nyngan in 1883, with the nearby coach-stop village of Canonbar moving in its entirely to establish the town of Nyngan. Beyond Nyngan, the line swept across the plains in a straight line for 116 miles (187 km), then the longest stretch of straight railway line in
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1408-487: The techniques of tunnel construction in the first decade of the 1900s. The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. The Ten Tunnel Deviation is a major engineering achievement in the early 1900s and is rare in this regard. The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales. The Bell to Zig Zag Ten Tunnel Deviation
1452-482: The time, Dubbo had grown into a town of strategic importance on the stock routes between northern New South Wales and the Victorian goldfields. Beyond Dubbo, the railway opened up new land to European settlement, and was directly responsible for the development of townships. The line reached the future site of Narromine in 1883, and the railway station was the first building in the future settlement. The line reached
1496-426: The valley floor. The Zig Zag was created by the track switching back on itself twice to reach the valley floor. From here it continued west to Lithgow. This section was opened on 18 October 1869. The 1869 Zig Zag became a bottleneck to the flow of traffic and as early as 1885, consideration was given to its replacement. In 1897, the first major change was made, known as Dargan's Creek Deviation. This involved traversing
1540-608: The world. It reached the temporary terminus of Byrock in 1884 before reaching its final destination of Bourke in 1885. Wool and livestock was the main source of goods traffic on the line throughout its life. In the 1890s a severe drought caused a significant downturn in traffic. In the following decade a branch to Brewarrina (in 1901) increased its catchment while that to Walgett (in 1908) from another artery, reduced its catchment area. The line beyond Dubbo became loss-making in 1901, and continued that way throughout its existence. Tonnages increased following World War 2, but declined from
1584-415: Was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. When they opened in 1910, the tunnels replaced the Lithgow Zig Zag , which limited the length of trains over the mountains and required two changes in direction. The deviation comprises ten tunnels of varying length from 70 to 825 metres (230 to 2,707 ft) over 3.7 kilometres (2.3 mi). The work also included the excavation of
1628-442: Was extremely difficult. At one isolated point, horses and drays were placed on to the worksite by means of a crane and long jibs. There they remained until the tunnels were completed to provide them with a way out. The supply of materials for tunnels 8, 9 and 10 was expedited by the construction of a 110-metre (350 ft) funicular of the 4-rail type from near Mount Sinai on the original line. Only experienced miners were employed on
1672-412: Was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria. The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales. The Ten Tunnel Deviation is historically significant as the second phase of the Great Dividing Range railway crossing. The project was one of the great railway deviations and
1716-410: Was one of the great railway deviations constructed throughout NSW, and was a success in reducing both journey time and track gradient, and continues to be in use today. The tunnels form part of a larger railway landscape in the Lithgow area and across the Blue Mountains including the Zig Zag railway, Dargan's Creek Deviation, Eskbank Goods Yard and the State Mine Colliery railway. Ten Tunnels Deviation
1760-658: Was opened in 1869 and closed in 1910 when the Zig Zag Railway was bypassed for the Ten Tunnels Deviation . In the 2016 Census, there were 200 people in Clarence. 74.6% of people were born in Australia and 87.6% of people spoke only English at home. In 1975, the Lithgow Zig Zag , which had been abandoned for 65 years was taken over by the Zig Zag Railway enthusiast enterprise. Narrow gauge track
1804-408: Was opened out instead, owing to the discovery of rock faults, leaving the deepest cutting on the New South Wales rail system. The headquarters for the works was at nearby Clarence , where many of the navvies were temporarily housed. Here a temporary power station was established for rock drills, lighting, compressors, etc. Access to the tunnel locations and the short open sections between the cliffs
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1848-469: Was significant political pressure to minimise the diversion of trade from western New South Wales to Victoria and South Australia via river trade along the Darling and Murray Rivers. The town of Bourke had become the key centre for pastoralists in western New South Wales since its formation in 1861. Provision was thus made to extend the line to Dubbo, reaching Wellington in 1880 and Dubbo in 1881. At
1892-502: Was taken over by the New South Wales Government in 1854, and in 1855 the first railway in the state was opened between Sydney and the present-day Granville (see Rail transport in New South Wales ). This railway was extended from Granville to the current Parramatta station and Blacktown in 1860 and Penrith in 1863. The railway then crossed the Blue Mountains between 1867 and 1869. The Blue Mountains were
1936-480: Was used as headquarters for the Ten Tunnels Deviation works, the town population had flourished to over 5,000 residents, the majority being the navvies employed on the deviation works. When the deviation was opened in 1910, the town population quickly fell, despite a new platform built on the new deviation. Clarence was originally a railway outpost on the Main Western railway line . The original railway station
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