Guajataca Tunnel

Isabela Puerto Rico-Guajataca Tunnel-Construction circa 1904-1905
Guajataca Tunnel, ca 1910-1920
Train Bridge (Steel Viaduct) Connecting the Guajataca Tunnel, Isabela-Quebradillas, Puerto Rico - Circa 1904
Present View of the train tunnel and coast of Quebradillas, Puerto Rico

Guajataca Tunnel is a railroad tunnel that connected the town of Isabela and Quebradillas, Puerto Rico. The tunnel is one of the most significant work of the remnants of the national railway system that connected the island during the first half of the twentieth century.[1] In 2000, the Government of Puerto Rico declared it a historical monument.[1]

History

The American Railroad Co. of Puerto Rico began construction of the tunnel around 1904 during the expansion of the northern line towards the west of the island. The tunnel connected the towns of Quebradillas and Isabela on the Guajataca River canyon. The construction was completed with the excavation of two tunnels on each side of the canyon. They were joined by a steel viaduct 250 feet (76 m) long at an elevation of 40 metres (130 ft) above the river level.[1]

The tunnel is open to the public. The tunnel leads to "Guajataca beach" known for its white sand, raging surf, and dangerous turbulent waters.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Para declarar monumento histórico el Túnel de Guajataca del Municipio de Isabela" (in Spanish). LexJuris. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  2. ↑ Frommer's Portable Puerto Rico. 2007. p. 183. ISBN 0-470-10052-4.

External links

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