Arch Cape Tunnel viewed from its south side on Highway 1
Description
In February 1936, to complete the portion of Highway 101 between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, the Oregon Highway Department approved construction plans for a 1227-foot-long tunnel through Arch Cape. The federal Public Roads Administration provided critical funding for the project.
At the time of its construction, it was the longest tunnel on the Oregon Coast Highway.
Difficulties associated with the long bore through both the cape’s sandstone and basalt stretched the construction project out over almost four years. The presence of soft sandstone required the construction of a timber lining to prevent a cave-in. Construction workers struggled with difficult conditions including exposure to carbon monoxide from the blasting operation, gas-powered shovels, and trucks used for rock removal. Removal of blast material was further complicated by the tunnel’s position high above the Pacific
Arch Cape is the northernmost promontory on the stretch of highway that cuts across Neahkahnie Mountain. As such, the tunnel connects on the north to the Neahkahnie Road section of Highway 101. Drivers, heading south, emerge from the tunnel to see a vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.
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The south entrance to Arch Cape Tunnel - July 3, 1944
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Arch Cape Tunnel under construction - view from south entrance November 24, 1936
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The north entrance to Arch Cape Tunnel - February 2, 1937
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Arch Cape Tunnel open for traffic
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From the David & Alma English Collection in the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum – Unpaved Highway 101 at the completion of the Arch Cape Tunnel.
Northern entrance to Arch Cape Tunnel, showing the Arch Cape Bridge as well.
From the David & Alma English Collection in the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum - Unpaved Highway 101 at the completion of the Arch Cape Tunnel.
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Arch Cape Tunnel viewed from its north side on Highway 101
Source notes
"Arch Cape Job Under Contract," Oregonian. February 7, 1936. p. 11.
English, David and Alma English (1993) The Arch Cape Chronicles. Seaside, Oregon.
"Three Road Jobs Put on List," Oregonian. August 19, 1939.
"Tunnel Project Nearly Complete: Builders Finishing Roadway over New Route," The Sunday Oregonian. April 17, 1938. p. 6.
"Tunnel Through on Coastal Road," The Sunday Oregonian. March 28, 1937. p. 24.
Project originally submitted by Judith T Kenny on April 1, 2022.
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