The Crozet Tunnel

(Top image was taken in 1944, the bottom about 2005)
As a 16 year-old boy I, like my father before me, embarked upon the adventure of hiking through the abandoned Crozet train tunnel in the Blue Ridge Mountains near my home. I, along with my two adventurous companions, did this illegally - twice. (I hope the statute of limitations has expired! :) I recall it was extremely hot and humid that summer day, but as we approached the hauntingly beautiful entrance of the tunnel, we felt a rush of cool air as it flowed continuously out of the side of the mountain. Though it was bright and sunny, an eeire layer of fog greeted us as we approached the tunnel's western entrance.

Water could be heard as it dripped and echoed off the moss-covered rock walls. We seemed to have been transported back in time. The scene was surreal and akin to something out of an old Scottish tale about castles and hidden passages - a boy's dream come true! Recently, plans were announced to convert the tunnel into a bike path and tourist attraction. This is a worthy historic preservation project and I cannot wait to see its completion. Claudius Crozet, for whom the tunnel is named, was a Frenchman, one of Virginia Military Institute's first board of visitors' members, and fought under Napoleon. The tunnel has a rich history and is an engineering marvel. See link above and news piece below:
(News article below from the News-Virginian, 10/12/06, Waynesboro, VA http://www.newsvirginian.com/ )

LOVINGSTON - It will bring Nelson County tourism, acclaim and the notice of high-ranking officials statewide. And it will only cost $1. This week, Nelson’s Board of Supervisors signed off on purchasing Afton’s historic Blue Ridge Tunnel, refurbishment plans for which have been in the works since 2000.

Valued at $1.5 million, the defunct railway - at one time the longest train tunnel in the country - was given up by current owner CSX Corp. for just one buck. It was an offer the county couldn’t refuse, and, according to consultants, may be the only financial investment Nelson taxpayers will have to make in the project.

Organizers plan to use grant money to finance the $3.6 million tunnel renovation - which will include three walking/biking trails that will lead tourists and outdoor enthusiasts directly into the tunnel. Nelson would have been obligated to pay 20 percent of the cost, but it’s contribution of the tunnel itself, for which it will be credited the full $1.5 million assessment, will take care of that burden.

Eugene Whitesell, of the Whitesell Group, which has been overseeing the project, said no further expense to the county is anticipated, other than maintaining the improvements once they’re complete. The nearly mile-long tunnel was carved through solid rock using mostly hand drilling - the best technology available when it was created back in the 1850s. It was designed by famed engineer Claudius Crozet, the namesake of the nearby Crozet community.

“There is a strong, strong interest in the state to help [Nelson] complete this project,” said Whitesell, noting the heavy tourism potential of such an attraction. Already, he said, his office has been fielding inquiries from rail enthusiasts across the country. “No other project our office handles receives as many calls,” he said.

The benefits will also spill over to neighboring communities including Waynesboro, which has long-term hopes of extending its own burgeoning greenway plans to include a trail that will connect the tunnel to the city.

“Obviously it will further enhance Waynesboro’s position as a destination place for recreational tourism,” said City Manager Doug Walker, who welcomed the news of Nelson’s decision. “We see it as a pretty significant complement to our own tourism program.”

Nelson supervisors said this was a project of national significance. “It’s a big part of American history,” said Central District representative Connie Brennan.

The board’s approval of the tunnel’s purchase now opens the way for planners to pursue buying additional land for the nature trails, which will initially extend 3½ miles long. Long-term plans call for additional trails, as well as a visitor’s center and museum. It’s hoped construction can begin in late 2007, with a grand opening the following year.

Story by Alicia Petska