Electrical Operation on the Cascade Division of The Great Northern Railway

Abstract

ELECTRIFICATION of the Great Northern Railway's main line between Skykomish and Wenatchee, 73 route miles, was carried out in conjunction with the building of a new tunnel 7.79 miles long, and the relocation of approximately 17 route miles of troublesome track and other minor improvements, aggregating an expenditure of approximately $25,500,000. Although all of these improvements were placed in operation at about the same time, making a direct comparison of operating expenses difficult, analyses which give a reliable comparison between the cost of steam and electric operation over this part of the system have been made.