2005 - Year of the Tunnel The list of projects for 2005 is a big one: Host the 2005 PA Greenways Sojourn (go to www.railstotrails.org) Construct the tunnel liner Complete the Strategic Plan Construct the six mile extension of the Allegheny River Trail to Emlenton Construct the four mile extension of the Sandy Creek Trail from Belmar to Fisherman's Cove Close the gap at Sunny Slope The Tunnel Construction finally began in March of 2005 with $2 million in federal Transportation Enhancement funding. This has been a long and difficult process - we began in 1991 - with many complications, considerable planning and re-planning, bureaucratic tangles (imagine a little non-profit dealing with the FHA, PENNDOT, PHMC, DEP), search for the right tunnel engineer and a plan that was reasonably priced and would result in a suitable final product. The pile of paper can be measured in feet. The final tunnel design was done by Frank B. Taylor Engineering of New Castle, but the design was subcontracted to the Wexford Consulting Group who hired a world class tunnel expert, Gordon Elliot. The mountain was probed and prodded and alternate plans and associated costs identified. The recommended plan is bold and innovative, and may be the first of its type anywhere. The 1000' long tunnel, 30'x30' is going to have a 12'x12' inner tunnel built of concrete. The 20,000 cu. ft. void is to be filled with at least 200,000 recycled cut tires and the tunnel ends sealed. Completion is scheduled for the end of June. The Sandy Creek Trail is open east and west of the tunnel, but the tunnel is closed - for now. PA Greenway Sojourn - 2004 Nearly 400 bicycle riders from 23 states met in Spartansburg at the fairgrounds on a lovely day in July to begin what has become an annual event to celebrate existing rail-trails and to energize workers to continue the process of extending and connecting trails. The first day's ride followed an old rail line from Spartansburg to Titusville which was, at best, under construction, and at worst closed. Titusville to the campground in Oil City followed the Oil Creek State Park Bicycle Trail, some roads, and the new route through town. Oil Heritage stops were made at the Drake Well Museum, Petroleum Center and Oil Heritage Days in Oil City. The campsite was on a grassy plot just downriver from the marina. It began to rain during the night, soaking riders and all their camping gear. The all-day rain on the second day of the tour filled every motel and Bed & Breakfast room in Franklin, the second day's destination, and sold all the dry shirts in town. The planned campground at Riverfront Park became more river than park requiring desperate measures. The spectacle of 200 campers on the gym floor of Central Elementary was something to see. The spirit of the sojourners combined with the hospitality of the people of Franklin was truly heartwarming. The sun came out for day three highlighted by a celebration to open the 10 mile extension of the Allegheny River Trail from Brandon to Rockland Station. Invited guests and speakers included the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of DCNR, Congressman Peterson, State Senator Mary Jo White, and State Representative Scott Hutchinson. The spectacle of 400 bike riders on a grassy lawn along the Allegheny River was truly impressive. A stop at the newly opened visitor center and Pump House Museum in Emlenton's Crawford Center highlighted the afternoon ride. Dr. and Mrs. Art Steffee hosted the campers at their estate in Foxburg where weary riders were able to catch a hay ride to the Foxburg Inn for dinner. It rained again that night soaking recently dried camping gear, but a large campfire helped to keep spirits up. Three day riders left us at Foxburg and six day riders returned along the same route, camping again in Franklin, then in Titusville at the Leisure Services recreational complex. There are so many local people who helped, but a special mention should go to Matt Lehman who led the biking docs which included Joe Gent, Steve Schenck who led the safety patrol which included Sue Hilton and Cindy Schenck, Dave McVay who hosted 400 riders for lunch and a trail dedication on his lawn in St. George, and Karen Counselman and Maryann Porterfield who provided information and support at Franklin and Foxburg. Larry Mackey was everywhere driving truck, bussing wet riders, loading and unloading luggage, and Randy Stewart always seemed to show up when needed. I believe the whole event was a great success, good for our trails and towns - and they are coming back in 2005 with 500 riders!