| Abandoned Railroad Tunnels |
| Monongahela Railway |
Simpson Tunnel stands on the Dunlap Creek branch of the Monongahela Railway. Built in 1903, and abandoned in 1975 or 1976, the
tunnel still stands today in relatively good condition. The north portal of the tunnel is located at 39° 59.78'N, 79° 53.63'W (NAD83/WGS84),
and the south portal can be found at 39° 59.64'N, 79° 53.64'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have not been to the north portal, but the walk to the
south portal is not a far one, you can park at or around 39° 59.44'N, 79° 53.23'W (NAD83/WGS84), go up the hill to the north and make a left
onto the old railroad bed, which should be obvious even in the summer, and follow it right to the south portal. The property there isn't posted,
but the old roadbed (and tunnel in fact) are frequented by local ATV riders, and I suspect a lot of people hunt in the area. As far as the
tunnel itself, I walked through it and there have been a few partial collapses of the side walls, and the northern portal area has as much as a
foot of standing water, so just use your best judgement if you decide to visit.
tunnel still stands today in relatively good condition. The north portal of the tunnel is located at 39° 59.78'N, 79° 53.63'W (NAD83/WGS84),
and the south portal can be found at 39° 59.64'N, 79° 53.64'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have not been to the north portal, but the walk to the
south portal is not a far one, you can park at or around 39° 59.44'N, 79° 53.23'W (NAD83/WGS84), go up the hill to the north and make a left
onto the old railroad bed, which should be obvious even in the summer, and follow it right to the south portal. The property there isn't posted,
but the old roadbed (and tunnel in fact) are frequented by local ATV riders, and I suspect a lot of people hunt in the area. As far as the
tunnel itself, I walked through it and there have been a few partial collapses of the side walls, and the northern portal area has as much as a
foot of standing water, so just use your best judgement if you decide to visit.
This is a list I have compiled of abandoned railroad tunnels I have either visited, or suspect may still stand. If you have any information on the
current status of any of these tunnels, or of the railroad lines that once used them, I would LOVE to hear about it, so please e-mail me if you
do! I would also be very interested in hearing about other abandoned railroad tunnels in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, or northern
West Virginia or Maryland.
DISCLAIMER: All information is provided for historical interest only! If you decide to go visiting railroad tunnels, you do so at your own risk.
All information is based on what I have found out in my armchair studies. I am not an accredited historian, nor do I ever hope to be. This is
just a hobby of mine. If you believe I've got something wrong, please let me know! I don't mind being wrong about something, but if I find out
that I am, I want to correct it.
current status of any of these tunnels, or of the railroad lines that once used them, I would LOVE to hear about it, so please e-mail me if you
do! I would also be very interested in hearing about other abandoned railroad tunnels in western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, or northern
West Virginia or Maryland.
DISCLAIMER: All information is provided for historical interest only! If you decide to go visiting railroad tunnels, you do so at your own risk.
All information is based on what I have found out in my armchair studies. I am not an accredited historian, nor do I ever hope to be. This is
just a hobby of mine. If you believe I've got something wrong, please let me know! I don't mind being wrong about something, but if I find out
that I am, I want to correct it.
Unnamed - In the area east-southeast of Glyde, PA may lie a very old tunnel on what would have been the Chartiers Southern Railway.
Topographical maps indicate that if it exists, the northern portal can be found at 40° 7.40'N, 80° 7.82'W (NAD83/WGS84) and the southern at
40° 7.17'N, 80° 7.78'W, crossing under U.S. Route 40 (A.K.A. National Pike, National Road, Wheeling-Cumberland trail). The topographic
map clearly lists the tunnel, and labels the `Old Railroad Grade' going through it on either side.
An excerpt from The Monongahela Railway, Its History and Operation 1903-1993 by David E. Gratz and Terry E. Arbogast, page 87:
"The Chartiers Southern Railway Company was organized by the PRR in 1906 for the purpose of extending the line into Washington and
Greene Counties from a connection with the Chartiers Southern Railway (Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis), one half mile northeast
of Van Emman to a connection with the Ten Mile Run Branch of PRR one half mile north of West Zollarville.
In 1913, the PRR sold a portion of their interest in the line from Van Emman southward to Eighty-four, one third each to the P&LE and the
B&O. Grading, masonry and tunneling between Eighty-four and Marianna, 10.22 miles were completed at the expense of $901,975.10. The
work was suspended in January, 1915. In 1917, the CSRy was authorized to acquire a right-of-way from Marianna to Besco and from
Clarksville to a connection in Waynesburg with the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad"
I have not visited this tunnel, though I did get to an area on top of where it should be before fading daylight sent me back. Posts on several
railroad message boards lead me to believe that the tunnel was built but never used. They also lead me to believe that it may have partially
collapsed, and may be flooded, and apparent sinkholes in the area I believe to be above it seem to point in this direction as well.. Use
extreme caution if visiting this tunnel.
Topographical maps indicate that if it exists, the northern portal can be found at 40° 7.40'N, 80° 7.82'W (NAD83/WGS84) and the southern at
40° 7.17'N, 80° 7.78'W, crossing under U.S. Route 40 (A.K.A. National Pike, National Road, Wheeling-Cumberland trail). The topographic
map clearly lists the tunnel, and labels the `Old Railroad Grade' going through it on either side.
An excerpt from The Monongahela Railway, Its History and Operation 1903-1993 by David E. Gratz and Terry E. Arbogast, page 87:
"The Chartiers Southern Railway Company was organized by the PRR in 1906 for the purpose of extending the line into Washington and
Greene Counties from a connection with the Chartiers Southern Railway (Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis), one half mile northeast
of Van Emman to a connection with the Ten Mile Run Branch of PRR one half mile north of West Zollarville.
In 1913, the PRR sold a portion of their interest in the line from Van Emman southward to Eighty-four, one third each to the P&LE and the
B&O. Grading, masonry and tunneling between Eighty-four and Marianna, 10.22 miles were completed at the expense of $901,975.10. The
work was suspended in January, 1915. In 1917, the CSRy was authorized to acquire a right-of-way from Marianna to Besco and from
Clarksville to a connection in Waynesburg with the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad"
I have not visited this tunnel, though I did get to an area on top of where it should be before fading daylight sent me back. Posts on several
railroad message boards lead me to believe that the tunnel was built but never used. They also lead me to believe that it may have partially
collapsed, and may be flooded, and apparent sinkholes in the area I believe to be above it seem to point in this direction as well.. Use
extreme caution if visiting this tunnel.
| South Portal |
| A closer look |
On the old Baltimore and Ohio mainline between Fairmont and Wheeling, West Virginia were, at least as indicated by topographic maps,
seven tunnels. The longest of which being the Board Tree, which I received an e-mail from someone whose father owns the land at one end
confirming that at least the Board Tree tunnel still stands, bricked up with a single row of concrete blocks on each end, with one end having
been chiselled away enough to gain entry. I have not yet paid a visit, but I hope to in the near future.
The tunnels on this line, from north/west to south/east:
Unnamed - West portal at 39° 50.81'N, 80° 41.20'W (NAD83/WGS84), east at 39° 50.85'N, 80° 41.11'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have not visited
this tunnel, and know nothing of its present-day status.
Welling Tunnel - North portal at 39° 49.10'N, 80° 32.00'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 48.89'N, 80° 31.96'W (NAD83/WGS84). Ditto,
haven't been there yet.
Board Tree Tunnel - North portal at 39° 43.83'N, 80° 31.76'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 43.45'N, 80° 31.63'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have
not yet visited this tunnel, but these photographs clearly show that it does stand in tact, blocked off with a single row of cinder blocks, one end
having been chipped through enough to gain access. I also have good information that both portals of this tunnel are on posted private
property. Please be respectful of property owners' rights.
seven tunnels. The longest of which being the Board Tree, which I received an e-mail from someone whose father owns the land at one end
confirming that at least the Board Tree tunnel still stands, bricked up with a single row of concrete blocks on each end, with one end having
been chiselled away enough to gain entry. I have not yet paid a visit, but I hope to in the near future.
The tunnels on this line, from north/west to south/east:
Unnamed - West portal at 39° 50.81'N, 80° 41.20'W (NAD83/WGS84), east at 39° 50.85'N, 80° 41.11'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have not visited
this tunnel, and know nothing of its present-day status.
Welling Tunnel - North portal at 39° 49.10'N, 80° 32.00'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 48.89'N, 80° 31.96'W (NAD83/WGS84). Ditto,
haven't been there yet.
Board Tree Tunnel - North portal at 39° 43.83'N, 80° 31.76'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 43.45'N, 80° 31.63'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have
not yet visited this tunnel, but these photographs clearly show that it does stand in tact, blocked off with a single row of cinder blocks, one end
having been chipped through enough to gain access. I also have good information that both portals of this tunnel are on posted private
property. Please be respectful of property owners' rights.
| Baltimore and Ohio Railroad |
| Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railway |
On the short Donora branch of the P&WV Lie two tunnels. This line probably also operated under Norfolk and Western. A conversation with
someone who grew up in the area leads me to believe that this line was abandoned no later than the early to mid 1980's, so it almost certainly
never operated as part of the modern Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad. I have visited each portal of both tunnels on this line, walking through
both, and unfortunately, my camera didn't make it long enough to take even a single picture. I shall return soon to get photographs, since I
live very nearby.
The Vang Tunnel's east portal is at 40° 11.20'N, 79° 54.79'W (NAD83/WGS84), and its west portal at 40° 11.12'N, 79° 55.16'W
(NAD83/WGS84). Its east portal is accessible via a short westward walk from a parking area at 40° 11.48'N, 79° 54.49'W (NAD83/WGS84) in
the town of Black Diamond, and none of the property along the way is posted (at least it wasn't the last time I was there). From the parking
area, the old railroad grade should be obvious. Both portals are blocked with a single row of cinder blocks, but a hole has been chipped
through each easily large enough for anyone to walk through, however the eastern portal is flooded with around a foot of water. The tunnels,
however, appear (to me at least) to be extremely sound. They appear to be constructed entirely from concrete, and both have the date
'1931' engraved right under their names. Vang is believed to be named after the construction company that built the tunnel (possibly both?).
Grahm Tunnel is just west of Vang, but it is considerably harder to get to. Its east portal is at 40° 11.12'N, 79° 55.55'W (NAD83/WGS84),
and its west at 40° 11.12'N, 79° 55.67'W (NAD83/WGS84). The area between Vang and Grahm features a rather impressive fill over a valley,
with a steep drop on either end. The only way I know of to get to Grahm without trespassing on posted property is to park at the
Monongahela Cemetery and make your way down into the valley from there (this will also give you access to the Vang tunnel's west portal), or
to go through the Vang tunnel and continue westward down the line. Either way is quite a lot of work. Grahm is in the same condition as
Vang, bricked up on both sides but with a man-sized doorway chipped through, about a foot of water on the east side, and with the tunnel
name, and 1931 engraved on the top of each portal.
someone who grew up in the area leads me to believe that this line was abandoned no later than the early to mid 1980's, so it almost certainly
never operated as part of the modern Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad. I have visited each portal of both tunnels on this line, walking through
both, and unfortunately, my camera didn't make it long enough to take even a single picture. I shall return soon to get photographs, since I
live very nearby.
The Vang Tunnel's east portal is at 40° 11.20'N, 79° 54.79'W (NAD83/WGS84), and its west portal at 40° 11.12'N, 79° 55.16'W
(NAD83/WGS84). Its east portal is accessible via a short westward walk from a parking area at 40° 11.48'N, 79° 54.49'W (NAD83/WGS84) in
the town of Black Diamond, and none of the property along the way is posted (at least it wasn't the last time I was there). From the parking
area, the old railroad grade should be obvious. Both portals are blocked with a single row of cinder blocks, but a hole has been chipped
through each easily large enough for anyone to walk through, however the eastern portal is flooded with around a foot of water. The tunnels,
however, appear (to me at least) to be extremely sound. They appear to be constructed entirely from concrete, and both have the date
'1931' engraved right under their names. Vang is believed to be named after the construction company that built the tunnel (possibly both?).
Grahm Tunnel is just west of Vang, but it is considerably harder to get to. Its east portal is at 40° 11.12'N, 79° 55.55'W (NAD83/WGS84),
and its west at 40° 11.12'N, 79° 55.67'W (NAD83/WGS84). The area between Vang and Grahm features a rather impressive fill over a valley,
with a steep drop on either end. The only way I know of to get to Grahm without trespassing on posted property is to park at the
Monongahela Cemetery and make your way down into the valley from there (this will also give you access to the Vang tunnel's west portal), or
to go through the Vang tunnel and continue westward down the line. Either way is quite a lot of work. Grahm is in the same condition as
Vang, bricked up on both sides but with a man-sized doorway chipped through, about a foot of water on the east side, and with the tunnel
name, and 1931 engraved on the top of each portal.
Martin Tunnel - North portal at 39° 41.82'N, 80° 30.56'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 41.78'N, 80° 30.50'W (NAD83/WGS84). I have not
visited this area, but the topographic map suggests that the south portal is practically right beside a road. This either means it was destroyed
in the process of building the road, or it would be very easily accessible.
Marshall Tunnel - West portal at 39° 41.60'N, 80° 29.88'W (NAD83/WGS84), east at 39° 41.58'N, 80° 29.81'W (NAD83/WGS84). Again, I
haven't been there and know nothing about its current status yet.
Soles Tunnel - West portal at 39° 41.36'N, 80° 28.69'W (NAD83/WGS84), east at 39° 41.35'N, 80° 28.63'W (NAD83/WGS84). Ditto, haven't
checked it out yet. The west portal is very near U.S. Route 250.
Unnamed - North portal at 39° 38.56'N, 80° 25.15'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 38.49'N, 80° 25.14'W (NAD83/WGS84). Once again, I
know nothing of its current status as of now. This tunnel is also very near U.S. Route 250.
visited this area, but the topographic map suggests that the south portal is practically right beside a road. This either means it was destroyed
in the process of building the road, or it would be very easily accessible.
Marshall Tunnel - West portal at 39° 41.60'N, 80° 29.88'W (NAD83/WGS84), east at 39° 41.58'N, 80° 29.81'W (NAD83/WGS84). Again, I
haven't been there and know nothing about its current status yet.
Soles Tunnel - West portal at 39° 41.36'N, 80° 28.69'W (NAD83/WGS84), east at 39° 41.35'N, 80° 28.63'W (NAD83/WGS84). Ditto, haven't
checked it out yet. The west portal is very near U.S. Route 250.
Unnamed - North portal at 39° 38.56'N, 80° 25.15'W (NAD83/WGS84), south at 39° 38.49'N, 80° 25.14'W (NAD83/WGS84). Once again, I
know nothing of its current status as of now. This tunnel is also very near U.S. Route 250.
| North Portal Photo courtesy of Carol Patterson |
| South Portal Photo courtesy of Carol Patterson |