Climax Tunnel

A low-grade division of the Allegheny Valley Railroad was opened in 1873, which included the Climax Tunnel. There doesn’t seem to be any information about the history or construction of the tunnel, but the tracks were used to carry passengers, coal, and lumber to Pittsburg and beyond. Passenger service stopped in the 1940’s, but the line was continued to be used for freight until 2007. At this time, the rails and ties were removed. In 2010, the Allegheny Valley Land Trust purchased the corridor and began developing it into a rail trail known as the Redbank Valley Trail.

The Climax Tunnel was severely deteriorated when the Redbank Valley Trail opened, which forced the users to take a steep detour. The Allegheny Valley Land Trust and the Redbank Valley Trails Association got together to secure grants from the Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the federal Transportation Assistance Program in order to improve the tunnel. They extended the tunnel, reinforced the ceiling structure, and added surfacing at ground level. The tunnel was re-opened in 2018.