After its closure in 1968, the Commission sought to get further use out of the property.  Over the years the property served the Commission in an array of ways.  The site served as a tactical and firearms training site for state police Troop T, the Commission’s maintenance crews trained there, and several research and development institutions conducted studies in the tunnels.  The shoulder rumble strips that adorn all major highways in the nation were tested and developed there.  Even highway reflectivity regulations have a beginning here, where reflectivity tests were conducted in the absolute darkness of Sideling Hill Tunnel.  Throughout the years of dormancy several film companies have considered Sideling Hill for movies and the US Mint considered it for storing currency; another Fort Knox.  It wasn’t until November 15, 2001 that the Sideling Hill Tunnel measuring 1.33 miles long and the Rays Hill Tunnel measuring .75 miles long would get a new owner and a new use.

On that day in November, the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy (SAC) acquired 8.5 miles of the property for developing a nonmotorized recreational trail.  The picturesque 8.5 miles of highway, which is situated in secluded, yet accessible, portions of Bedford and Fulton Counties, is home to a diverse and large population of wildlife.  For years the property anxiously awaited redevelopment and longed to tell the story of its Industrial History which included the Pennsylvania Turnpike and the South Penn Railroad.  Now, the once gated property will be accessible to the general public.  Thanks to Bill Metzger and SAC outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the nation’s history and enjoy the scenic beauty of rural Pennsylvania.  SAC hopes to conduct and complete a business, site management, and feasibility plan for the project by the summer of 2004.

“The property has great development potential, both economically and recreationally and no one is denying that.  We realize that the current sentiment is that the project is moving slowly, but funding such a large project is difficult especially in the current political and economic climate.  SAC is committed to the project.  One day our work with this project will be as instrumental as our efforts that facilitated the purchase of the Manufacturers Water Company, of Bethlehem Steel,”commented Branden Diehl project manager.

Not only is SAC striving to create a travel and recreational destination out of this resurrected property, but they are also working hard to conserve its resource.  SAC has enrolled the property in the PA Game Commission’s Safety Zone Program, enrolled for a forest management plan, and are working with the PA Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to enhance wildlife habitat along the trail.  SAC encourages anyone that is interested in the project to contact them and express their idea.  The trail is not officially opened, but will be accessible to the public for hunting access and for future recreation.  The PA Game Commission and DCNR are currently patrolling this area and enforcing trail regulations.

After redevelopment, resurfacing, and marketing has occurred, SAC is confident that the trail will become a recreational destination for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.  One day outdoor enthusiasts from Cincinnati, DC, Rochester, and Atlantic City will have the opportunity to share their experiences on SAC’s trail.  SAC foresees the day when this trail will serve as an alternate route for the state adopted Route S, and it will also serve as an economic development project for the businesses in the Breezewood area. Please send any questions or comments to Branden S Diehl available at sacproject@earthlink.net

Click here to see pictures of the trail!

 

Project Updates

January 16, 2002

July 5, 2002

July 31, 2002

September 19, 2002

November 18, 2002

March 20, 2003

Bats! (September 11, 2003)

October 3, 2003

April 12, 2004 - Funding and Partnership

October 5, 2004

April 2005

August 2005

	P2B Media Articles
Pittsburgh Post Gazette (July 10, 2005)
Lancaster Intelligencer Journal (May 17, 2005)
Penn Lines Magazine (February 2005)
New York Times (October 22,2004)
Philadelphia Daily News