Progress of the work—1886. is now erecting, is completed, there will be a pumping power equal to 66 million gallons per diem, which will give 36 million gallons per diem in excess of the maximum quantity of water that has to be raised from the tunnel and discharged into the Severn.
The works appear to be very good and substantial, and to have been carried out with great care and judgment.
This work was commenced twelve years since, and the actual work of building the tunnel was commenced in 1881.
The difficulties of dealing with the large quantity of water, and particularly of dealing with the under-ground stream, which runs at a great velocity, have been considerable, but have now been successfully overcome, and the result is a tunnel of unusually large dimensions, which is particularly dry. The top of the tunnel is about 145 feet under the level of high-water spring tide, and about 50 feet under the bed of the river at its deepest point.
The means of ventilation are ample, but did not act well when I made my inspection.
This only requires a little attention and regulating. I was informed that no inconvenience has been felt from a want of ventilation during the running of the numerous goods and coal trains that have been sent through the tunnel for some time past.
I have, etc.,
(Signed)F. H. Rich,
Colonel, R.E.
Railway Department,
Board of Trade.
