[NSW] Old Glenbrook Tunnel

["David Martin" <d_martin@mountains.net.au>]

There is a proposal to run a sewer pipe through the old Glenbrook tunnel.

http://info.mountains.net.au/rail/lower/glen-tunnel-old.htm

This news was given to me with
shock-horror-they're-going-to-destroy-the-tunnel connotations. After some
thought, I decided to check it out.

A bit of background info. Anyone who aims to walk up the cutting to the
eastern portal will need a machete, and you cannot get a clear view of the
portal. Nutrient-rich runoff from the mushroom farm (in the tunnel) has
resulted in a lush jungle of weeds filling the cutting. The idea of someone
clearing the cutting is quite attractive.

Someone has cleared a track up the cutting. It climbs out of the cutting few
hundred metres short of the portal & follows a dry route to the top of the
portal. The area could benefit from some working bees, to clear out privet,
lantana, etc.

The proposed sewer pipe is less than 400mm across and will stand 500mm high
resting on its supports. Running along the side of the tunnel, it would not
interfere with future train operations along the route, should any group
ever be in a position to make this happen (the clearance has been checked).

For aesthetic reasons, the pipe will dip underground for a short distance at
each portal, so as to be out of site.

In summary, Sydney Water clear out the weeds and build an access track up
the cutting, and put in a small-bore pipe. Afterwards, it becomes relatively
easy for local volunteers, council or whoever to maintain the site for
visitors. Strikes me as a beneficial plan.

BTW, you can get to the eastern portal from the end of Lucasville Rd. Follow
your ears towards the highway.

--
David Martin
Web Developer
Info Blue Mountains - mountains of Blue Mountains information
http://info.mountains.net.au