Dinmore Tunnel
Construction
When the S&HR was opened in November 1863, it was a single track throughout. However, all infrastructure was made wide enough to accommodate twin tracks throughout apart from the Dinmore Tunnel which, owing to the uncertain rock strata, was left as a single bore. The engineer, Mr Pollard, recommended that if the line were to be doubled, then a second tunnel should be constructed. When the S&HR became a joint line of the London & North Western and the Great Western and West Midland Railways, they pursued the second tunnel option.
The tunnels are split-level - the track on the up line to Leominster being at a higher level than the down line to Hereford, both are 1,054 yards (964 m) long and the line speed through both is 80 miles per hour (130 km/h).