Armstrong Trails Celebrates a Very Brady Tunnel – Technologist

Press release shared by Armstrong Trails, November 5 2024.  Photos courtesy of Armstrong Trails.

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Over 350 attendees, celebrated Armstrong Trails opening of the Brady Tunnel, a significant milestone in the region’s recreational history. After decades of closure, this 2,468’ railroad tunnel, originally built in 1915, has been carefully rehabilitated to provide safe, non-motorized recreational access.

The reopening of the Brady Tunnel is a milestone achievement for Armstrong Trails, showcasing years of dedicated work to restore this historical landmark and close one of Pennsylvania’s Top Ten Trail gaps. In 2009, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources created a trail gap list, and with the reopening of the Brady Tunnel, Armstrong Trails celebrates the closure of the 60th gap.  Armstrong Trails has made significant strides in connecting Western Pennsylvania’s trail systems, including key projects like the Climax Tunnel and the 5-mile segment from Sarah Furnace to Upper Hillville. The Kiski Bridge and Kiski Junction corridor were even proactively addressed before being listed as official gaps. Now, this engineering marvel serves as a vital link within our extensive trail network, inviting hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts on a journey through history while advancing the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail (270 miles) and the PA Wilds Trail (214 miles).

The Brady Tunnel’s opening creates over 100-miles of continuous trail, drawing more outdoor enthusiasts who’ll not only enjoy the trail but also explore, dine, and stay in our nearby towns such as East Brady (about three-miles from here). This boost in visitor traffic will support local businesses, generate revenue, and strengthen community ties, adding to the trail’s positive economic impact.

By retaining the historical integrity of the Brady Tunnel, we honor its legacy while serving as responsible stewards of our shared heritage, preserving this unique landmark for generations of trail users to experience and appreciate.

Perseverance and the power of partnership are the keys to successful trail development. As we’ve built Armstrong Trails mile by mile and sometimes foot by foot, we’ve also united in our mission to connect people to places—and to each other—through the shared experience of recreation and nature.-Chris Ziegler, Executive Director-Armstrong Trails.

Though the celebration took place on November 1st, the tunnel is closed for three weeks to complete grouting, critical to the tunnel’s liner system.  For updates and information visit:  armstrongtrails.org.

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Armstrong Trails will protect and convert railroad corridors into trails for public use, thereby providing opportunities for commuters and outdoor recreational activities.  Our projects will maintain the integrity of these corridors for future transportation use while acting as an economic stimulus for the area communities.

Media Contact: Chris Ziegler ([email protected])