This is one of the famous abandoned places in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Turnpike is the common name of a 21 kilometers bypass, which is isolated from human hands and was opened in 1940. It was located in the east of Breezewood interchange for interstate 70 eastbound at what is now I-76 exit 161.

History of Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike

It was earlier known as "Tunnel Highway",  as it passed over seven tunnels. The seven tunnels were: Blue Mountain, Tuscarora Mountain, Kittatinny Mountain, Sideling Hill, Rays Hill, Allegheny Mountain, and Laurel Hill. Each tunnel passes through a mountain and the highways are reduced to a single lane. One short tunnel was bypassed during the original construction of the Turnpike. 

Until 1950 this Turnpike was so heavily used that it caused huge congestion on the highway. And people demanded expansion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, especially during the summer. 

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) conducted studies for many years about expansion or bypassing the tunnel. At last, they planned to make the Turnpike in four lanes. It was only possible by adding a second tube or bypassing the old ones. The PTC announced not to build a second bore at the Allegheny mountain tunnel and a four-lane bypass through Laurel Hill Tunnel in 1960. The newly upgraded tunnels would feature white tiles, fluorescent lights, and upgraded ventilation treatment. 

Abandonment of the Pennsylvania Turnpike

In 2001 Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission sold most of the property to the Southern Alleghenies Conservancy for $1.The Southern Alleghenies Conservancy has the plan to take ownership of 8.5 miles of the counties, but the ownership procedure is still pending. Once it is completed they are the new owner of this old turnpike.

This Turnpike was operated by Friends of the Pike 2 Bike,  an alliance of non-profit groups to convert the old road to the bike trail. But it was officially closed to the public. 

The Turnpike was not maintained for years and the entrance of the tunnel was deteriorated due to vandalism. 

Current Scenario of the Pennsylvania Turnpike

In 2007 the trail changed its owner to Bedford County. And in 2008 the highway was used for shooting films like The Road (2008). Now the Turnpike is used for hiking and bike trails, but it still lives in isolation. Visitors are going there at their own risk as this place is still abandoned and most of the locals due to some haunted stories avoided this place. As per report many illegal works are done here that are also one of the main reasons to avoiding turnpikeke.