Page:Walker (1888) The Severn Tunnel.djvu/265

160 the rubble masonry with which the side-heading had been filled had all been removed, and the heading inside had been lined, as far as possible, with brickwork in cement. In order to complete the brickwork, a cross-heading from the tunnel was opened into the side-heading at a point west of the head-wall, the water being temporarily diverted through that cross-heading; the brickwork of the invert was completed, and the pipes broken off at the back of the sluice in the head-wall. The water was then allowed to flow down the brick-lined heading to the big pumps; and the length of 12-inch pipes being thus reduced to 12 feet, the sluice there was opened till the pressure was reduced to 12 lbs. on the square inch.

The second sluice (for there were two) through this head-wall was then opened, and all the water taken from the spring; and the pressure being entirely taken off the brickwork, all broken bricks were carefully cut out, and all damaged brickwork repaired.

On the 20th September the third of the large engines and pumps was started to work.

The fan was also completed on the 31st August, and the line was opened for goods traffic on the 1st September, 1886.

On the 17th November the tunnel-works were inspected by Colonel Rich, the Government Inspector, with a view to^ the opening for passenger traffic.