Ray's Hill Tunnel |
![]() Ray's Hill Tunnel, western portal, 1980. Photo by M. Dakelman |
Shortest of the original seven tunnels on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Length: 3,532 feet One of three tunnels abandoned by the turnpike in 1964 and 1968 Former east-west route of Interstate 76 Located east of Breezewood, Pennsylvania, near Interstate 70 Tunnel boring work started by the South Penn Railroad Operation began with the opening of the turnpike in 1940 Only tunnel on the turnpike that featured exhaust fans at one portal Eastern portal of the tunnel does not have exhaust fans Sits about five miles west of the abandoned Sideling Hill Tunnel Four lanes of traffic narrowed to two at the tunnel's entrances Single lanes of traffic in the tunnel led to many traffic jams by the early 1960's Bypassing the tunnel was determined to be a better alternative to twinning the tunnel Closed to traffic in 1968 when the bypass route opened Still maintained, lit, and guarded until 1973 Tunnel portals were boarded up until 1988 Roadway west of the tunnel was used to develop and test the sonic nap alert pattern ("rumble strips") now used on many U.S. highways Light is visible from portal to portal - no interior lighting since it's closure in 1973 Since October 2001, property of the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy Engineers deem the tunnel safe for passage, without fear of cave-ins Former lettering that spelled out the tunnel's name was made of stainless steel Open to the public for visitation; walking and bicycling is permitted No motorized vehicles are allowed in the tunnel or anywhere on the abandoned roadway Forklifts were used extensively in the contruction and transport of materials for the tunnel. |
Videos About Ray's Hill Tunnel: |
Ray's Hill shown at 1:50 minutes |