27/12/2024
A little bit of Mourne History.
THE BINNIAN TUNNEL 1949-1952
The Binnian Tunnel, completed in 1952, was an engineering marvel that diverted water from Annalong Valley to the Silent Valley. Initially, a reservoir was planned for Annalong Valley, but challenges from the Silent Valley project led to the decision to build the tunnel instead. Stretching 2¼ miles long, 7 feet 6 inches high, and 8 feet wide, the tunnel runs about half a mile under the mountain, with an 18-foot drop over its length.
Construction began in 1949, with two teams tunneling from opposite ends. Despite lacking modern technology, they achieved an extraordinary feat—meeting in the middle with an accuracy of just 1.5 inches! The work, led by Carmichaels of Edinburgh, wasn’t without its difficulties. Midway through the project, workers encountered flowing sand and cracks in the rock that required cement grout, delaying the project by six months.
Conditions were gruelling. Over 150 men worked by candlelight, using dynamite to blast through rock. They stayed in the tunnel during explosions, with little regard for health and safety in those days. Dust from blasting lingered due to poor ventilation, and newcomers quickly learned to stand to the side during blasts—the force could knock you off your feet! The Binnian Tunnel stands as a testament to incredible skill, perseverance, and determination.
