Waste from tunnel-drilling excavations was used to build the administration and station buildings. The total number of workers involved in this ambitious project has reached 20 thousand.
Construction took place at an altitude of 985 meters above sea level, its gradient in some areas is 460 meters, the steepness – 20-25% in most parts of the road, there are extreme values of elevation and radius of turns.
It was necessary to use new tools and techniques, to design more powerful engines, which up to that time simply did not exist. Several companies took part in the competition, and the winner was the Bavarian engineering company, whose locomotives had the largest tonnage at the time. She received 20,000 ducats as a reward.
The railroad bed is in such good condition that it still needs no major renovation, even after 150 years! Also considered unique is the fact that 80,000 stone slabs and 65,000 bricks were used for laying the roadbed instead of iron and steel.
Only the rails and track equipment were made of metal. Thanks to these subtleties, the road has been nicknamed “the brick road.”. No wonder it’s the first railroad in the world to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The picturesque surroundings of the Alps, through which the road passes, are lined with fairy-tale like towns and tourist complexes. Semmering has been known all over the world since the 19th century as a balneological and skiing resort. When the railroad opened (albeit at a speed of 6 km per hour) tourists flocked to see for themselves all the beauty of this corner of Austria. Longevity of the construction inspires sincere respect.
What significant historical events or changes have occurred since the establishment of the “Brick” railroad in the foothills of the Alps, and how has it adapted to those changes over the course of 150 years?
That’s incredible! I’m curious to know how the “Brick” railroad has managed to stay operational for 150 years. What challenges has it faced, and what measures have been taken to preserve its historical significance?
The “Brick” railroad has managed to stay operational for 150 years through a combination of dedicated staff, regular maintenance, and community support. Despite facing challenges such as technological advancements and changing transportation trends, the railroad has adapted by modernizing its infrastructure and services while still preserving its historical significance. Preservation efforts have included maintaining original structures, operating vintage locomotives, and offering historical tours to educate the public. By balancing tradition with innovation, the “Brick” railroad continues to thrive and provide a unique experience for visitors.
That’s incredible! I’m curious to know how the construction of a brick railroad in the Alps foothills differed from traditional railroads. Were there any specific challenges faced during its inception and construction?