Built in the period 1903 through 1906, it was hand-driven through solid rock for two miles to provide an outlet for water that was flooding the coal mines.
After an engineering survey of the tunnel project by the Consolidation Coal Company, a contract was let to Mr. Phillip Jenkins, Sr. of Wales.
Work was begun from both ends in November 1903 by Jenkins' four sons, William, Edward, James, and Phillip, Jr.
The tunnel proceeds in a straight line, except for an 18 degree turn located some 400 feet from the east (exit) portal.
A pump was added near the exit at the horseshoe curve of the Eckhart Branch of the Cumberland and Pennsylvania Railroad (C&P), to help control the flow.
Observers noted in the Cumberland News of 1906 that the volume of water carried by Braddock Run was ten times greater after the tunnel had been operating for two months.
The draining water's red coloration and odor of sulfur was noted as far downstream as Wills Creek in the Narrows.
The east end of the tunnel with its associated concrete arch is located next to one of the bridge abutments that carried the C&P horseshoe curve over the creek at that point.