![]() Rock bolts, shoring posts, and other reinforcements were added as well as a thin mortar between the historic blocks.According to a senior PWD official, waterlogging has plagued the site for nearly 20-25 years but the situation was aggravated over the last 10-15 years.Įxplaining the reason behind the worsening condition, he pointed to the presence of a Delhi Jal Board sewage pumping station at Khanpur. In 2001 the tunnel became part of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. The Manufacturer's Water Company closed the tunnel to the public, the water lines were used by Bethlehem Steel. In the 1940s, a concrete liner was added to the east portal of the tunnel and large water lines as well as a water vault structure were built. Afterward, Flood damage and other concerns made the tunnel a less desirable driving spot although local residents continued to visit, and even go courting at the tunnel up until the 1940s. It was instead a popular carriage route until the Flood of 1889. ![]() Neither the "new Portage" nor the Pennsylvania Railroad used the tunnel. The west entrance facade remains and has been restored to its former grandeur.Īfter the demise of the old Portage Railroad the tunnel had other uses. He gave no indication of a date or the building on which the stones were used. In 1907 Henry Storey wrote that the east entrance facade of the tunnel had been removed for building purposes. The style was described as "Roman Revival style with low relief lintel supported by Doric pilasters on each side." Of the money spent, the total cost was $37,498.85, nearly half was to build the fancy entrance ways. The fancy entranceways to the tunnel were to impress the travelers and the general public. Rock and dirt might fall due to rain or other weather, or from the effects of the portage railroad going through the tunnel. The ends of the Staple Bend Tunnel were lined with cut stone for safety. The full tunnel excavation was completed in April 1833. There was much celebration with speeches and toasts. The workers and foremen actually celebrated their Christmas 1832 there. On Decemthe workmen broke through the final barrier and connected the two ends of the tunnel. The tunnel grew about 18 inches each day, with both sides moving toward the center. Of the 36-inch hole drilled only 18 inches, or half of the hole, was blasted. Workers would eat while the dust settled then get to work cleaning (mucking) the tunnel. Fuses were lit with explosions to occur at mealtime. One pound of explosive powder wrapped in paper was pushed into each hole, tamped down, punctured with a sharp needle, and a fuse added. Nine to ten holes, each one-inch in diameter and thirty-six inches in length, were made before blasting. Drilling one typical hole took up to three hours of hard effort using a three man crew. This was done by drilling three feet long holes and packing them with powder. Workers chipped and blasted 901 feet of solid rock to make the tunnel.Īpproximately 14,900 cubic yards of bedrock was removed using black powder blasting. The men were paid $13 per month plus room and board for 12 hour days 6 days per week. Work began on Novemand often occurred during inclement conditions. It was the third tunnel of any kind built in the US, the first tunnels were for other canals in Pennsylvania. This same parking area is used for the Path of the Flood trail as well.įinished in June 1833, the Staple Bend tunnel was advertised as the first railroad tunnel in the United States. Please use the parking lot and do not block the emergency access road. Go through the railroad underpass and the paved parking lot for Staple Bend Tunnel will be located on the right. After approximately 2 miles make a (marked) right turn onto Beech Hill Road and proceed over the bridge. Continue on Route 271 South approximately 5 miles until a (marked) left turn onto Mineral Point Road, PA 3030. Take US Route 22 to the Mundy's Corner/Nanty Glo exit. You are welcome to bring bicycles, but no motorized transport for the limestone dust surfaced trail. Once you park your vehicle at the trail head, it is a two mile walk to the Staple Bend Tunnel and, of course, a two mile return trip to your vehicle. Rather, it is near the town of Mineral Point, 5 miles from Johnstown. It is not in the immediate area of the Summit Level Visitor Center. Since, 2001, the Staple Bend Tunnel has been open as a separate area of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Park Rangers and Volunteers in period costume framed by the western portal of the Staple Bend Tunnel.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |