1871: A Festive Opening for a Rail Tunnel Between France and Italy

September 17, 1871

Within the Alps mountain range in Europe, a tunnel connecting the French commune of Modane with the Italian town and commune of Bardonecchia was officially opened to rail traffic. This transportation route runs through the region of the massif known as Mont Cenis and beneath both the Pointe du Fréjus (a mountain) and the Col du Fréjus (a mountain pass).

The Fréjus Rail Tunnel – also called Mont Cenis Tunnel – took eight years to construct. This was about 11 years sooner than originally expected. The leading reasons for this accelerated schedule were pioneering techniques such as the introduction of an improved drill invented by French engineer Germain Sommeiller, who directed the project, and the use of dynamite for blasting rocks. This transportation route further distinguished itself as the longest rock tunnel of its kind at that time. In addition, it was the first of the major Alpine tunnels to help facilitate the movement of traffic through that part of the world.

The Central Somerset Gazette in England reported on the Sunday opening of the Fréjus Rail Tunnel. This newspaper noted, “The ‘inauguration’ train, consisting of twenty-two carriages, started from Bardonnechia at half-past ten in the morning and arrived at Modane at eleven.” The Central Somerset Gazette further stated, “The French Home Minister (M. Lefrance), accompanied by other French officials, was awaiting the arrival of the train in order to salute the Italian Ministers and authorities. The festive train returned to Bardonnechia at noon, and at three o’clock a banquet was given to a thousand persons.”

Measuring 8.5 miles (13.7 kilometers) in length, the Fréjus Rail Tunnel serves as a link for Turin-Modane railway. The accompanying photo of the Italian side of the tunnel was taken in 2009.

Photo Credit: Public Domain

For more information on the Freéjust Rail Tunnel (Mont Cenis Tunnel), please check out  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fr%C3%A9jus_Rail_Tunnel

Additional information on Germain Sommeiler is available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germain_Sommeiller