Laurel Highlands Today

Plans to develop a new trail on the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike received a financial boost as the Bedford Fulton Joint Recreation Authority was awarded a state grant of $124,780. This announcement was made by Rep. Jesse Topper and Sen. Pat Stefano.

“The old turnpike has long been a destination for bike riders and the curious. Transforming this abandoned road into the Old PA Pike Trail with easier access has been years in the making,” Topper stated. “This funding will help our local authority bring its plan to reality and will ultimately bring additional tourism dollars to our communities.”

The joint recreational authority of Bedford and Fulton counties is spearheading the initiative to convert part of the turnpike into a multi-use trail and event site, the Old PA Pike Trail. The project involves engineering tasks for tunnel construction and inspection. The accent is on examining the current status of Ray’s Hill and Sideling Hill tunnels and suggesting redevelopment strategies for recreational purposes. The awarded grant will contribute towards covering costs related to professional services, environmental assessments, and administrative needs.

Sen. Stefano commented, “The TOPP Trail is a unique asset as well as an economic driver in Bedford County. By securing the professional expertise to assess the tunnels’ safety, this funding helps take an important step toward ensuring the trail’s longevity as a part of the ever-growing recreation scene in Bedford.”

The grant is provided through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. This program is financed through fees imposed on natural gas companies operating in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region.