Old Sand Patch Tunnel 1854-1917

4777 foot Sand Patch Tunnel, constructed under contract by the Pittsburgh and Connellsville Railroad beginning May 1854. Tunnel construction was suspended three times over the next 17 years and finally completed April 1871. Soft shale was encountered in much of the bore, requiring timber arching for approximately 2200 feet plus stone and brick lining at the portals. Increased train volume, clearance requirements, unstable ground, and ventilation problems forced its closure in 1917, following the opening of the new route in 1913. Now abandoned for 90+ years, both east and west portals have collapsed and the tunnel flooded 5-10' deep. Inside, support timbers and stone and brick linings remain, and at the surface a brick ventilation shaft is found west of the road. The former right of way is to the east, which was also the location of a brick foundry.