Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
Western end of Ray’s Hill Tunnel on Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike near Breezewood, PA
Originally built in 1881 for trains, opened to vehicular traffic in 1940, and was bypassed in 1968
Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 including seven tunnels. By the late 1950s, the turnpike was so heavily used that traffic congestion demanded expansion of two-lane tunnels which causing a major problem at each tunnel, especially during the summer.
To reduce the traffic jams, a second tube was added to 4 tunnels as the less expensive option. For the other 3 tunnels, a bypass option was planned to relief more quickly and less expensively.
This is one of two tunnels on 13-mile (21 Km) bypassed section in 1968. This tunnel is 3,532 feet (1,076 m) long, the shortest of the original 7 tunnels. From the entrance, I was able to see a small light at the end of the other side. Bike or foot are allowed, no driving. This tunnel is 1.5-mile (2.4 Km) walking from Rt 30. The entire 1.5-mile old turnpike and tunnel have been heavily vandalized.
Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike
Western end of Ray’s Hill Tunnel on Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike near Breezewood, PA
Originally built in 1881 for trains, opened to vehicular traffic in 1940, and was bypassed in 1968
Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 including seven tunnels. By the late 1950s, the turnpike was so heavily used that traffic congestion demanded expansion of two-lane tunnels which causing a major problem at each tunnel, especially during the summer.
To reduce the traffic jams, a second tube was added to 4 tunnels as the less expensive option. For the other 3 tunnels, a bypass option was planned to relief more quickly and less expensively.
This is one of two tunnels on 13-mile (21 Km) bypassed section in 1968. This tunnel is 3,532 feet (1,076 m) long, the shortest of the original 7 tunnels. From the entrance, I was able to see a small light at the end of the other side. Bike or foot are allowed, no driving. This tunnel is 1.5-mile (2.4 Km) walking from Rt 30. The entire 1.5-mile old turnpike and tunnel have been heavily vandalized.