EBT Wrays Hill Tunnel (Coles, PA)
East Broad Top Railroad's Wrays Hill Tunnel (1874-1956)
Coles, Pennsylvania
This 1138-foot tunnel was built by the coal-hauling East Broad Top Railroad in 1873-74. Following a collapse and flooding in 1919, concrete portals were added at both ends and the original 1228 foot bore shortened by 90 feet. Both portals featured roll-up doors to reduce winds and avoid icy rails. The improved tunnel served the life of the EBT through abandonment in 1956.
The bore features a mix of bare rock and timber lining. The ceiling has collapsed just within the south portal, allowing daylight to enter above a ceiling-high pile of debris. Further within, timbers remain standing while rockfalls from both sides have filled the bore to the ceiling. Beyond this point are two large piles of fallen timbers, numerous smaller rockfalls from walls and ceiling, and limited water that runs out the north portal.
Most of the original EBT right-of-way remains in varying states of decay, while a tourist train operates north from Orbisonia over four miles of track.
Note: This text and accompanying photos are the copyright of Christopher Muller and may not be reproduced in whole or in part on any website, message board, or other medium.
Read MoreColes, Pennsylvania
This 1138-foot tunnel was built by the coal-hauling East Broad Top Railroad in 1873-74. Following a collapse and flooding in 1919, concrete portals were added at both ends and the original 1228 foot bore shortened by 90 feet. Both portals featured roll-up doors to reduce winds and avoid icy rails. The improved tunnel served the life of the EBT through abandonment in 1956.
The bore features a mix of bare rock and timber lining. The ceiling has collapsed just within the south portal, allowing daylight to enter above a ceiling-high pile of debris. Further within, timbers remain standing while rockfalls from both sides have filled the bore to the ceiling. Beyond this point are two large piles of fallen timbers, numerous smaller rockfalls from walls and ceiling, and limited water that runs out the north portal.
Most of the original EBT right-of-way remains in varying states of decay, while a tourist train operates north from Orbisonia over four miles of track.
Note: This text and accompanying photos are the copyright of Christopher Muller and may not be reproduced in whole or in part on any website, message board, or other medium.
