Gallitzin Tunnel facts for kids
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| Conrail 6169 leads a westbound train through the west portal of the Gallitzin Tunnel in 1993. At right, the west portal of the Allegheny Tunnel. | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Location | Gallitzin, Pennsylvania |
| Coordinates | 40°28′53″N 78°33′01″W / 40.48139°N 78.55028°W |
| Status | Gallitzin Tunnel out of service 1995; Allegheny Tunnel (two tracks) and New Portage Tunnel (one track) in service |
| Operation | |
| Closed | Gallitzin Tunnel 1995, New Portage Tunnel 1857-1890 |
| Owner | Norfolk Southern Railway |
| Operator | Norfolk Southern Railway |
| Technical | |
| Track length | Gallitzin Tunnel 3,612 feet, Allegheny Tunnel 3,612 feet, New Portage Tunnel 1,620 feet |
| No. of tracks | Gallitzin Tunnel 0 (1 track 1904-1995), Allegheny Tunnel 2 (1 track 1904-1995), New Portage Tunnel 1 (2 tracks 1898-1971) |
| Gauge | 4 feet, 8 and one-half inches (56.5 inches) |
| Highest elevation | Gallitzin and Allegheny Tunnels 2,167 feet (at west tunnel portals), New Portage Tunnel 2,198 feet (at AR tower west of west tunnel portal) |
The Gallitzin Tunnels are three train tunnels located next to each other in Gallitzin, Pennsylvania. They cut through the Allegheny Mountains in western Pennsylvania. These tunnels were built by the Pennsylvania Railroad between 1854 and 1902. They are an important part of a railway line that crosses the state, connecting to the famous Horseshoe Curve nearby.
Over the years, different companies have owned the tunnels. These include Penn Central, Conrail, and now the Norfolk Southern Railway. Today, Norfolk Southern freight trains and Amtrak's Pennsylvanian passenger trains use these tunnels.
Contents
The Story of the Tunnels
Building the First Tunnels
The first tunnel was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). It is the middle one of the three tunnels. Construction took place from 1851 to 1854. This tunnel was originally called "Summit" Tunnel. It is 3,612 feet long and sits 2,167 feet above sea level. Today, it is known as the Allegheny Tunnel.
The second tunnel was built by the state of Pennsylvania. It is the southernmost of the three tunnels. This tunnel was part of the New Portage Railroad (NPRR). It was built between 1852 and 1855. In 1857, the PRR bought the New Portage Railroad. They then used the name "Allegheny" for their "Summit" tunnel. The PRR stopped using the New Portage Tunnel soon after. However, in the 1890s, it was made wider for two tracks. It became the main route for trains heading east.
The third tunnel, called the Gallitzin Tunnel, was started in 1902. It opened in 1904. This tunnel is located just north of the Allegheny Tunnel.
Changes Over Time
In the early 1990s, the company Conrail made changes to the tunnels. They used money from the state of Pennsylvania. Conrail made the Allegheny and New Portage Tunnels larger. This was so they could fit "double-stack" trains. These trains carry two shipping containers stacked on top of each other.
The New Portage Tunnel was ready for eastbound double-stack trains in 1993. The Allegheny Tunnel was also made wider. It could now hold two tracks. These tracks could be used for trains going in either direction. This work finished in September 1995. After that, the Gallitzin Tunnel was no longer used. It was not made wider like the others.
Amtrak's Pennsylvanian passenger trains still travel through the working tunnels today.
Visit the Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum
Near the closed Gallitzin Tunnel, you can find the Gallitzin Tunnels Park & Museum. The park has a restored 1942 Pennsylvania caboose. You can look inside to see what it was like.
The museum is across the street. It has exhibits about the area's history. You can learn about railroads, industries, and the people who lived there. There is also a gift shop and a theater. The museum building also holds local offices, a police station, and a library.
See also
- List of tunnels documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in Pennsylvania
