This article was originally published on November 9, 2021 on The Restless Viking website.
Did you know that there are abandoned turnpike tunnels in Pennsylvania? DaViking (my husband Chuck) has previously explored the Sideling Tunnel, but this was my first time climbing into the dark passage. Join us on our caper as we look behind the scenes of an abandoned railway which later became a channel for automobiles and is now used for marathons. There are lifetimes held within these walls.
Chuck (DaViking) kindly returned to the Jeep to retrieve a flashlight that I’d forgotten to bring in my pack.
Before us was a crumbling two-lane roadway and up ahead, out of sight, was the Sideling Tunnel of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
These graffitied barriers prevent vehicles from traveling over this roadway.
Who knew that toilet paper would become such a valuable commodity in 2020?
The eastbound strip had received some attention, keeping the asphalt clear. It had been used to test various reflective materials, paints and rumble strips. As well, it had been a practice area for snowplow drivers. The westbound side was crumbled as weeds grew from the cracks.
The Cove Valley Service Plaza
The trees parted to reveal an asphalt lot. Curbs were hidden among foliage. This area had once been a service plaza with gasoline pumps and snacks for weary travelers. Today there’s a whisper of the infrastructure that had once been utilized.
The remains of the Cove Valley Service Plaza rests quietly.
The Pike2Bike Trail
As we rounded a bend we were stunned to see bright orange fencing. A few people were setting up tables with a timing device, cases of water and a selection of fruit.
Triviumracing.com organizes races and marathons in several surrounding states.
The abandoned turnpike has allowed for a perfect running and biking surface to those inclined to race. DaViking and I agreed that this was a clever use of the lonely roadway.
The volunteers had swept the left side of the path for tomorrow’s event.
The Sideling Tunnel
The narrow tunnel ahead explained why there had been bottle necks of vehicles in the 1950’s. While more full-bodied trucks were being made, it was clear that this small tunnel could no longer serve it’s purpose. The roadway needed to be rerouted.
As we approached the tunnel the leaves whispered remembrances of long gone eras.
Our new code names became westbound (DaViking) and eastbound (Poppins)!
Sideling Tunnel History
The Sideling tunnel had been originally started in 1884 as one of nine tunnels for the South Pennsylvania Railroad by engineer, John O’Brien. Sadly, in 1885 two separate dynamite blasts, just 16 days apart, took the lives of John O’Brien and eight other men as well as injuring many others. Entrepreneur, William H. Vanderbilt, ceased construction with concerns including rising costs and found another route to use for his trains.
I marveled at how this tunnel had been built in 1884
without the use of the sturdy construction equipment we have today.
In 1938 the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission took over and used six of the original railway tunnels in their toll road projects. The toll road opened on October 25, 1940. By the beginning of the 1950’s eastbound traffic jams were becoming an issue. Planning commissions began working on a solution.
These rooms felt eerie.After over a decade of meetings and studies, three twinning tunnels and two bypasses were opened in 1968. “Twinning tunnels” were passages constructed to run parallel to the existing roadways. These allowed for two lanes of traffic to run in both directions. The two elevated bypasses circumvented Sideling Hill and Rays Hill tunnels allowing for a smooth flow of automobiles.
After more than thirty years of the Sideling Hill and Rays Hill tunnels being abandoned, the Turnpike Commission turned over the management to the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy in 2001. They had planned to develop an 18 mile bike trail called “Pike2Bike.” It had been a thrill to see this project in action during our visit.
Ventilation Fans
Sunlight streamed through metal window frames as we climbed to the highest point inside the structure. Before us stood two enormous fans which had been used for ventilation.
These two air filter fans stood above the tunnel.
We went between the two investigating the airway vent running above the length of the tunnel.
Without any auto exhaust, these ‘dinosaur’ purifier fans were no longer needed. Their rusty exteriors held spray painted stories as did other surfaces inside the structure.
Between the two fans we found this open doorway.
We balanced across the wooden plank and headed through the small doorway. ‘What would be above the turnpike tunnel?’ I wondered as I navigated down six stairs.
The Arch Above The Tunnel
This airshaft runs above the tunnel. The circular holes in the floor are openings to the roadway below.
The sound of our voices reverberated. We practiced our operatic skills. The echoes spun like a slinky down the shaft and then back to us. It was unlike anything I’d ever heard before! Check out Chuck’s video at the end of the article for the full experience!
Exploring Above The Ventilation Fans
When we returned to the ventilation fans, I climbed a staircase to see where it would lead.
Here I was looking down toward the room containing the large fans.
I crept carefully and found a rectangular opening in the floor. Who should appear? “Hey there, Poppins.” It was my favorite guy. He was overlooking the roadway through missing windows.
Outside The Tunnel
Along the edge of the tunnel I took time to ponder the men who built this in 1884. I marveled at their abilities to blast and dig out this pathway by hand. For three decades this passage provided accessibility for travelers. Now, it’s used as a trail for bikers and runners. I hadn’t known this existed until DaViking, a true adventurer, brought me here. I am one fortunate gal to still be exploring, learning and sharing these treasures. Keep being curious and looking behind the curtain of life!
Chuck and Martha Hayden, aka The Viking and Poppins, enjoy going on adventures off the beaten path. They also like to share their explorations with others. The Viking is a retired expedition leader while Poppins is a retired teacher. The two offer independent views of their journeys showcasing places, people, and cultures as they explore the world. Visit and follow them on their website and social media accounts. Website | Facebook | Instagram |YouTube
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