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The Abandoned PA Turnpike & Tunnels
Historical Perspective
Image courtesy of Brad Truxell, www.somethinghdr.com
2
South Penn R.R. – Turnpike Precursor
• Called “Vanderbilt’s Folly”• Constructed 1884-1885• A pact halted construction
3
“New Deal” Sparks A Novel Plan
• Depression rocks America• Jobs creation a mandate• Feds focus on infrastructure
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1937: Building The Original Turnpike
• Tpk. Commission is created• Superhighway takes shape• Sets the stage for interstates
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Destination Midnight, Oct. 1, 1940
• Turnpike opens to traffic• Curious motorist swarm• Tunnels the biggest thrill
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Shattering Traffic Projections
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Uncorking the Bottlenecks
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1968, Sideling/Rays Bypass Opens
Bypass opens Nov. 26, 1968
11-miles of original Turnpike now virtually abandoned.
Segment includes longest and shortest tunnels.
New alignment carves through the top of the mountains east of Breezewood.
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Safety Testing & Research Facility (STAR)
STAR Testing Highway Sign Visibility Line-Painting Materials
& Techniques Recessed Pavement
Reflectors Sonic Nap Alert
Patterns or SNAPs. Truck Breaking-
Distance Vehicle Crash &
Rollover
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Nov. 15, 2001: Highway Changes Hands
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2001 to Today: The Pike2Bike
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2009 Movie: “The Road”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6E0pEul0Xf8&feature=em-share_video_user
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Tunnel Stats
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Sideling Hill TunnelTurnpike’s Longest
6,791 feet/1.28 miles
Rays Hill TunnelTurnpike’s Shortest
3,512 feet/0.66 miles
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Aerial Overview
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Questions