Single Track Sunday
Place:Abandoned Turnpike
Location: Breezewood, PA
Ridden: October 2015
Place:Abandoned Turnpike
Location: Breezewood, PA
Ridden: October 2015
Click on video to play
The Abandoned Turnpike was created by a re-route if the highway in 1968. When it was originally built, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was a four lane highway, but only had one lane tunnels. Eventually this created back-ups that needed to be fixed. At many places, larger tunnels were dug. However, for a section of turnpike in BEdford and Fulton counties, the turnpike was rerouted.Over the years, this section of abandoned turnpike in Pennsylvania had a variety or uses, including turnpike worker training and military training exercises. It was even used for movie sets.
In 2001, this 13-mile stretch of abandoned PA Turnpike was given to Southern Alleghenies Conservancy by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Run by an organization called Pike2Bike the goal is to turn the road into an official biking and walking trail.
As of today, nothing official has been done. In fact, the Abandoned Turnpike is officially closed to visitors, as signs at the entrance state. However, the language on the signs lets you know that it’s not a no trespassing area, simply an area where you proceed at your own risk. If you do opt to visit, use common sense and be respectful of the area, so that there is no reason to actually restrict access to the area.
The two tunnels, Rays Hill and Sideling Hill are the main attractions. Construction began on Rays Hill Tunnel in 1881 for use as a railroad tunnel. However, it was never used for that purpose and it was updated in 1938, opening to traffic along the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1940. The tunnel is 3,532-feet long; along the way a small sliver of light can be seen at the opposite end. Sideling Hill Tunnel is an impressive 6,800 in length; when in the middle of this tunnel it is dark! Lights are definitely needed to travel through Sideling Hill. Both tunnels have features that make then rather creepy; some odd graffiti, drainage systems, and ground level rooms that can be viewed.
Along the way you will pass a long concrete area that used to be home to the Cove Valley Travel Plaza. It is interesting to see the open expanse, there is nothing remaining of the plaza except a few manhole covers.
Overall, the road surface is bumpy and cracked, as to be expected when not maintained for 40+ years. Definitely not the place to ride a road bike.
What an interesting place to visit. Seeing part of history in a very post-apocalyptic setting is both cool and creepy. Worth the trip to experience this odd place in PA.
- words by Jess
- video by Joël
Along the way you will pass a long concrete area that used to be home to the Cove Valley Travel Plaza. It is interesting to see the open expanse, there is nothing remaining of the plaza except a few manhole covers.
Overall, the road surface is bumpy and cracked, as to be expected when not maintained for 40+ years. Definitely not the place to ride a road bike.What an interesting place to visit. Seeing part of history in a very post-apocalyptic setting is both cool and creepy. Worth the trip to experience this odd place in PA.
- words by Jess
- video by Joël