Breezewood in the Fall....2004!
My own personal trip to the Abandoned Turnpike in October 2004

On October 16, 2004, thanks to the efforts of Jeff Kitsko, I was able to explore and experience the stretch of abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike that has attracted the interest of so many people since Mr. Newman's photos were first published in 1999.  The abandoned pike was the feature of the 2004 Southwestern Pennsylvania Road Enthusiasts meet and attracted a record of 18 participants.  I was also able to explore some of the remnants of the never built South Penn Railroad whose abandoned alignment was the foundation for the original section of the Turnpike that opened in 1940.  Unfortunately, this was before I had my digital camera and those photos did not turn out.  Guess I'll have to go back!


Entrance to the western portal of Ray's Hill Tunnel.  At a length of only 2,532 feet, only one set of exhaust fans - at the eastern portal - was needed.


After exiting the tunnel, autumn traveling motorists followed through a chute of color towards the Sideling Hill Tunnel, then the longest in the system.


Near the western portal of Sideling Hill is this stone culvert built for the South Penn Railroad.


A view from the upstairs offices located inside the western portal of the Sideling Hill Tunnel.  The cars give a great demonstration of how two lanes of Turnpike traffic would merge into one entering the tunnel.


Looking back towards the eastern portal of Sideling Hill Tunnel, which is over 6700 feet long!


A look at the abandoned pike from near the site of the former Cove Valley Travel Plaza.


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    • Page Created: November 27, 2005
    Last Updated: November 27, 2005

    (C) 2005 William Lawson
    All photos on this page taken by webmaster; October 16, 2004.