1849 Bains Kloof, Du Toits Kloof Tunnel and the tranquil Mountain Passes

 

1849 Bains Kloof, Du Toits Kloof Tunnel and the tranquil Mountain Passes

Bain also had the idea of building a tunnel. While he planned two tunnels, only one were eventually constructed through a hill on the Wellington side of the mountain. The tunnel would have been 112 meter in length, 3.7 meter in width and 4.3 meter high. The tunnel, going through a slate hill, would have been the first of its kind in the Colony. Although completed in 1849, the tunnel would eventually collapse and Bain had to build his road around the hill.
The other tunnel he proposed, although rejected by the Roads Board, would have been positioned at the Neck so as to avoid the highest summit and thus reduce the road's length significantly. He planned to dig right through the mountain to reach the Wit River. Bain claimed that one advantage of such a tunnel would be that the farmers and residents of Wellington could be co-opted to assist with the expenses of the project because it will be possible to channel water from the Wit River through the tunnel for irrigation purposes in the valley just below the mountain.

An idea for a Tunnel through the Du Toits Kloof Mountains was conceived in the 1930s but was put on hold due to the outbreak of World War 2. The idea developed into a pass over the mountains, the Du Toits Kloof pass, using the labour of Italian prisoners of war between 1942 and 1945 and continued with ordinary labour until its completion in 1948. Geological surveys and design started in 1973 and excavation followed in 1984, tunnelling from both ends using drilling and blasting. The Tunnel is know known as the Huguenot Tunnel.

Comment: Easy very scenic full day driving Tour of the Mountain Passes and their Tunnels suitable for all. Private Tour including visiting the Cape Winelands. Maximum 2 participants or bring own Vehicles if more participants.