![]() ![]() The full tunnel excavation was completed in April 1833. There was much celebration with speeches and toasts. The workers and foremen actually celebrated their Christmas 1832 there. On Decemthe workmen broke through the final barrier and connected the two ends of the tunnel. The tunnel grew about 18 inches each day, with both sides moving toward the center. Of the 36-inch hole drilled only 18 inches, or half of the hole, was blasted. Workers would eat while the dust settled then get to work cleaning (mucking) the tunnel. Fuses were lit with explosions to occur at mealtime. One pound of explosive powder wrapped in paper was pushed into each hole, tamped down, punctured with a sharp needle, and a fuse added. Nine to ten holes, each one-inch in diameter and thirty-six inches in length, were made before blasting. Drilling one typical hole took up to three hours of hard effort using a three man crew. This was done by drilling three feet long holes and packing them with powder. Workers chipped and blasted 901 feet of solid rock to make the tunnel.Īpproximately 14,900 cubic yards of bedrock was removed using black powder blasting. The men were paid $13 per month plus room and board for 12 hour days 6 days per week. Work began on Novemand often occurred during inclement conditions. ![]() It was the third tunnel of any kind built in the US, the first tunnels were for other canals in Pennsylvania. This same parking area is used for the Path of the Flood trail as well.įinished in June 1833, the Staple Bend tunnel was advertised as the first railroad tunnel in the United States. Please use the parking lot and do not block the emergency access road. Go through the railroad underpass and the paved parking lot for Staple Bend Tunnel will be located on the right. After approximately 2 miles make a (marked) right turn onto Beech Hill Road and proceed over the bridge. Continue on Route 271 South approximately 5 miles until a (marked) left turn onto Mineral Point Road, PA 3030. Take US Route 22 to the Mundy's Corner/Nanty Glo exit. You are welcome to bring bicycles, but no motorized transport for the limestone dust surfaced trail. Once you park your vehicle at the trail head, it is a two mile walk to the Staple Bend Tunnel and, of course, a two mile return trip to your vehicle. Rather, it is near the town of Mineral Point, 5 miles from Johnstown. It is not in the immediate area of the Summit Level Visitor Center. Since, 2001, the Staple Bend Tunnel has been open as a separate area of Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site. Park Rangers and Volunteers in period costume framed by the western portal of the Staple Bend Tunnel. ![]()
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