Oct 5, 2025
Tunnel, Pipestone Pass The Milwaukee Road Pacific Extension came late when compared to other transcontinental lines—and caused the rail road to be over-extended. The rail line crested the Great Divide at Pipestone Pass in Montana using a tunnel 2,290 feet in length; the bore opened in 1909 (this is the western portal). The railroad ceased operation on the Pacific Extension in 1980.
US Highway 10 (now Montana Highway 2) also crossed here, but came along well after the railroad—in 1926.
Two photographs by Richard Koenig; taken September 19th 2025.