This article was originally published by the PEC on its website in November 2024.
Some were skeptical that it could be done, but after six years of hard work, Armstrong Trails celebrated the opening of the newly renovated Brady Tunnel on Friday, Nov. 1.
After decades of dormancy, the 2,468-foot railroad tunnel, located in Clarion County, will be open to non-motorized public use. The accomplishment marked the closing of one of Pennsylvania’s Top Ten trail gaps, creating 100 miles of connected trail in the Armstrong Trails network. The celebration was particularly exciting for PEC, which secured a $1.5 million award from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support trail projects in the region, $350,000 of which went to funding the tunnel project.
“As PEC continues to help facilitate trail connectivity across the Commonwealth, witnessing a gap as significant as the Brady Tunnel come off of the DCNR’s Top 10 Trail Gap list is monumental,” said Brett Hollern, PEC Vice President of Western Pennsylvania. “Features like the Brady Tunnel are what make trails special to so many people, the work of Armstrong Trails and all those who helped support the effort should be applauded. PEC’s continued role in supporting the Industrial Heartlands Coalition will bolster trail organizations efforts to close other notable gaps and create more connected miles of trail for more people to enjoy.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) maintains a list of trail gaps in the state. With the Brady Tunnel complete, the agency celebrates the closure of its 60th trail gap. The trail connection also expands larger networks, including the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, the PA Wilds Loop, and the Industrial Heartland Trails.
Image: A crowd of nearly 400 people attended the opening ceremony for the newly renovated Brady Tunnel, part of the Armstrong Trail network in Clarion County.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn said she is in awe of what Armstrong Trails has accomplished under the leadership of Executive Director Chris Ziegler. Earlier this year, in April, the trail system celebrated 10 miles of new trail, including the rehabilitated Kiski Junction Railroad Bridge.
“It really starts with local vision and ideas and opportunity,” Dunn said, adding that over the years, DCNR designated $3.8 million from the Keystone Project toward the Brady Tunnel.
Image: The Brady Tunnel along the Armstrong Trail during the tunnel’s opening ceremony on Nov. 1.
“We are happy at DCNR to be a key leader in fixing trail gaps,” she said.
In Ziegler’s remarks to the crowd, she talked about the economic benefits that accompany trail development. The additional miles of trail, she said, will attract more outdoor enthusiasts who will also explore, dine and stay in nearby towns.
“This boost in visitor traffic will support local businesses, generate revenue and strengthen community ties, adding to the trail’s positive economic impact,” Ziegler said.
Across Pennsylvania, outdoor recreation contributes $17 billion to the state’s economy and supports more than 164,000 full-time jobs.
Image: People walk through the 2,468-foot Brady Tunnel along the Armstrong Trail during the tunnel’s opening ceremony on Nov. 1.
Armstrong Trails Board Chairman Joel Warren said in a speech that the tunnel renovation would not have been possible without partnerships, including with government leaders, nonprofit organizations, community advocates, contractors, volunteers, and more.
Dunn emphasized that outdoor recreation is an important part of the Commonwealth’s future, helping to revitalize communities, improve health and well-being, and conserve the state’s natural beauty.
“You’ll see the whole area blossom,” Dunn said. “We see it in droves in other trail systems.”
A plaque near the entrance to the tunnel commemorates its history. The railroad tunnel was built between 1913-1916 and cut travel distance by a little over five miles.
The tunnel remained open for the weekend but had to temporarily close to complete a few finishing touches. It should reopen to the public by the end of November.
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy. PEC believes in the value of partnerships with the private sector, government, communities and individuals to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Learn more about the PEC’s vision, mission, and programs on their website.
Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with maintaining and protecting 121 state parks; managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land; providing information on the state’s ecological and geologic resources; and establishing community conservation partnerships with grants and technical assistance to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local parks and recreation, regional heritage parks, open space, and natural areas. DCNR’s mission is to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Learn more at DCNR.pa.gov.
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.