The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has allotted up to $3.5 million for Armstrong Trails and Armstrong County to buy the Kiski Junction rail line corridor for a recreational trail. Announced earlier this month, the funds are covered by SPC’s Transportation Improvement Program, which includes money from SPC and PennDOT, said Shannon
Courtesy of Armstrong Trails
Plans are underway to convert the Kiski Junction Railroad corridor into a recreational trail connecting to other regional trails.
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With the demise of the Kiski Junction Railroad in Gilpin and surrounding communities, Armstrong Trails wants to convert the corridor into a 14-mile recreational trail.
The Kiski Junction Railroad was a 165-year-old short line used for commercial hauling and autumn leaf tours for tourists. The railroad’s owner, Rosebud Mining, ceased operations in recent years and is working through the legalities to shut down the railroad permanently.
Louis B. Ruediger | Tribune-Review
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While the owner of the Kiski Junction Railroad is finalizing its closure, a Gilpin supervisor is proposing converting the railroad corridor into a recreational trail.
Rosebud Mining, which owns the 165-year-old short line, is closing the railroad for good, according to the company’s president, Jim Barker. The railroad has been a popular tourist attraction for years in the fall with its antique locomotive and cherry red riding cars. But its main business hauling freight was spotty in recent years.
Who: Armstrong Trails
When: July 31, shuttle service begins at 4:30 p.m. from 1867 Sarah Furnace Road in Rimersburg.
Where: Brady Tunnell in Clarion County
Details: Pig roast, live music, raffles and more. Tickets are $50 and must be bought in advance. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brady-tunnel-jam-tickets-139674208317. Sales are limited to 250 tickets.
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Armstrong Trails is presenting Tunnel Jam at the Brady Tunnel in Clarion County on July 31 to raise money for the continuing construction work on the tunnel.
The Brady Tunnel is part of the 36-mile long Armstrong Trails system. The recreational trails, for hiking and cycling, traverses the former Allegheny Valley Railroad line along the eastern bank of the Allegheny River in Armstrong and Clarion counties.