The Abandoned PA Turnpike & Tunnels

Historical Perspective

Image courtesy of Brad Truxell, www.somethinghdr.com

2

South Penn R.R. – Turnpike Precursor

• Called “Vanderbilt’s Folly”• Constructed 1884-1885• A pact halted construction

3

“New Deal” Sparks A Novel Plan

• Depression rocks America• Jobs creation a mandate• Feds focus on infrastructure

4

1937: Building The Original Turnpike

• Tpk. Commission is created• Superhighway takes shape• Sets the stage for interstates

5

Destination Midnight, Oct. 1, 1940

• Turnpike opens to traffic• Curious motorist swarm• Tunnels the biggest thrill

6

Shattering Traffic Projections

7

Uncorking the Bottlenecks

8

1968, Sideling/Rays Bypass Opens

Bypass opens Nov. 26, 1968

11-miles of original Turnpike now virtually abandoned.

Segment includes longest and shortest tunnels.

New alignment carves through the top of the mountains east of Breezewood.

9

Safety Testing & Research Facility (STAR)

STAR Testing Highway Sign Visibility Line-Painting Materials

& Techniques Recessed Pavement

Reflectors Sonic Nap Alert

Patterns or SNAPs. Truck Breaking-

Distance Vehicle Crash &

Rollover

10

Nov. 15, 2001: Highway Changes Hands

11

2001 to Today: The Pike2Bike

12

2009 Movie: “The Road”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E0pEul0Xf8&feature=em-share_video_user

13

Tunnel Stats

13

Sideling Hill TunnelTurnpike’s Longest

6,791 feet/1.28 miles

Rays Hill TunnelTurnpike’s Shortest

3,512 feet/0.66 miles

14

Aerial Overview

15

Questions