In a matter of 3, and a half hour with only one stop in Sherwood, TN since it's departure at Wauhatchie, CSX Q210-22 ( Cayce,SC-Smyrna,TN) is now making it's 1,400ft decent down the Cumberland Plateau heading north on the CSX Chattanooga Sub. The head of the lead motor is finally coming out of the 2,200ft long majestic marvel Cumberland Mountain Tunnel or "Cowan Tunnel" for short. The Tunnel was completed in 1853. Three ventilation shafts approximately 170ft deep were created during the construction to facilitate air circulation, provide additional work areas, and to enable evacuation of steam and smoke from the steam locomotives during use. Just like the Chetoogeta Mountain Tunnel in Tunnel Hill, GA which is 110+ rail-miles from this location the Cumberland Mountain Tunnel was recognized during the during the Civil War, where both sides were fighting over control of the tunnel for vital reasons, but was never destroyed. Today the Tunnel see's daily freight traffic, and stand as a marvel of time.
