Tunnel project receives $35,000 grant
An old tunnel just got some new help.
Allegheny Trails, formerly known as the Allegheny Valley Land Trust, recently announced it has received a $35,000 grant from the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy.
The 2020 Doppelt Family Trail Development Fund grant will go toward the reconstruction of a sluice that will divert water over the Brady Tunnel.
The first phase of rehabilitation on the 2,469-foot, 1915 railroad tunnel was to replace a portion of the tunnel's lining and repair a 20-foot hole at the northern end, where water entered and damaged the tunnel.
The new funds will allow water diversion at the opposite end of the tunnel, according to a news release from the conservancy.
“Save the Sluice, Save the Tunnel” was one of six projects chosen for the Doppelt grant from 170 applications nationwide.
Chris Ziegler, executive director of Allegheny Trails, said once complete, the tunnel will close a gap in the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail, a multiuse trail more than 300 miles long.
The entire project is expected to cost $6 million. Allegheny Trails has received and continues to apply for grants to help restore the tunnel.