Warning: The following photos contain graffiti which might not be suitable for all audiences. For this reason, these photographs will not be added to the regular gallery for viewing.
The Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike is in Breezewood, PA. This 13 mile stretch of highway operated from 1940 until 1968, when it was bypassed by the modern-day turnpike. The abandoned section has two tunnels, Rays Hill Tunnel visited here, and a second longer tunnel Sideling Hill Tunnel. While "officially" closed to the public, you can visit at your own risk. A non-profit has been trying to convert the section into a bike path for over two decades. Bats take up residency in the tunnels, so it is advised to stay out of the tunnels during their hibernation period. I visited during this time, so I did not venture through the tunnel. I could hear the bats inside.
I visited the turnpike during the week. There are 3 suggested access points. I chose the point closest to Rays Hill Tunnel and the shortest hike to reach any of the tunnels from any of the access points. There was one other vehicle parked at the entrance, but I did not encounter any person on my journey. The morning I visited it had just rained so the road was wet. The sun did not come out until I got closer to the tunnel entrance. It was interested to see how nature had swallowed up the road in certain sections and how it left it undisturbed in others. The item I noticed is how narrow the road seems compared to modern road construction.
As I mentioned I did not run into any people on my journey. I did encounter a deer. Shortly after taking this photograph, there was a deer down the turnpike that walked out of the woods, stopped, turned to watch me, then continued across. You can see here that the road has now narrowed to 1 lane in each direction. In this section the right side is almost entirely consumed by nature.
Old but new. In a surprising twist as you get closer to the tunnel entrance the pavement gets better. Despite being "abandoned", the turnpike has been used for various purposes over the years. I am not sure if this is a section that was restored to test road surfaces or perhaps it was for a movie that was filmed there.
Last photograph before making the final bend and reaching Rays Hill Tunnel. The clouds are finally starting to break up and blue sky can be seen.
As we finally get to Rays Hill Tunnel the two lanes of traffic come together. The resurfaced road is in excellent condition here.
The turnpike might be abandoned but it is certainly not unvisited. The abundance of graffiti is a testament to many who have visited. Currently not a place to bring the kids especially if you do not want to have to explain the four-letter words and certain parts of the anatomy that frequently are painted on the roadway and walls. A lot of paint or power washing will be needed to make this a family friendly bike trail one day.
The main reason for abandoning this section of the turnpike is that traffic would backup going from 2 lanes to 1 lane to pass through these tunnels. Standing here I wonder what it would have been like to travel the turnpike in the early days.
While the turnpike is unofficially open to the public, there are areas that are off limits. These include the side areas, and maintenance, and equipment areas that have not been maintained. It still does not necessarily keep adventurers out. The structure above the tunnel entrance is one such area. This was used to house the air handling units for the tunnel.
Of all my photographs of the turnpike this is the only one with a clear blue sky.
Look closely as the road disappears into the tunnel. You will see a small dash of light which is the other end. Of the two tunnels only Rays Hill Tunnel is short enough to see the opposite side. If you do venture inside a flashlight is required. There may be road debris or potholes, etc. As mentioned elsewhere, do not go through the tunnels during hibernation season and disturb the bats.
Looking back from the tunnel entrance towards Breezewood.
Do you hear that? Is that the sound of a train? Prior to serving automobiles these tunnels were originally built for trains, but no trains ran through them.
Not the most picturesque scene. This is a side office or maintenance area to the left of the tunnel entrance. Door is locked so public cannot access. Looks like a shelf of some type was left behind. Filled with trash. Windows were boarded up, but some panels have been removed or fallen off over time. Note opening on second floor. Just one of the dangers and reasons for closing these sections off to the public.
This photo shows how quickly the light fades into the darkness of the tunnel. Though the dark does not seem to deter the tunnel artists from leaving their mark.
It is a little easier to see the far tunnel exit in this photograph. An aspiring film maker leaves their mark on the far right to drum up views.
View of the exterior interior spaces. Lower-level doors are locked but some windows are missing. The second story windows are without glass, and a barrier is placed to prevent ingress from above the tunnel.
View from just inside the tunnel entrance. I did not venture any further than the light reached. At this point I could hear the bats moving somewhere deeper in the tunnel or side spaces.
Final photograph of my journey to the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike.