Tunnel No. 6 (Coast Line)

Tunnel Number 6, or the Summit Tunnel, is a railway tunnel between Santa Margarita, California and San Luis Obispo, California.[1] It is the longest tunnel along the Union Pacific Railroad Coast Line at 3,610 feet (1.10 km) in length and is wide enough to carry a single track.[2] The tunnel under the Cuesta Pass represents the highest point along the line at 1,323 feet (403 m) above sea level.[3]

Tunnel No. 6
Overview
Other name(s)Summit Tunnel
LineCoast Subdivision
LocationSanta Margarita, California
Coordinates35.3517°N 120.6351°W / 35.3517; -120.6351
CrossesCuesta Pass
Operation
Constructed1893–1894
OwnerUnion Pacific Railroad
Trafficfreight, Amtrak
Technical
Length3,610 ft (1,100 m)
No. of tracks1
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Highest elevation1,323 ft (403 m)

The tunnel was constructed between 1893 and 1894 by the Southern Pacific Railroad. It was enlarged between 1940 and 1959.[2] One daily passenger train, the Coast Starlight, operates through the tunnel.

References

  1. Rice, Walter; Echeverria, Emiliano (2008). Rails of California's Central Coast. Arcadia Publishing. p. 87. ISBN 9780738555911.
  2. Middlecamp, David (October 4, 2013). "Tales from the tunnels, the railroad and the Cuesta Grade". The Tribune. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  3. Highest Elevations (PDF) (Map). Union Pacific Railroad. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
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