Abandoned PA Turnpike Cycling Trip

This a video I made of my trip to the abandoned section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in October 2009. The music is Tangerine Dream's "Diamond Diary" from the soundtrack to the film "Thief." It includes footage shot on the roadway as well as in the offices and other rooms.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• abandoned
• PA
• turnpike
• tangerine
• dream
• urbex
• urban
• exploration

[heder98]

Thanks for the very prompt reply, @splumer. Yes, I was actually referring to the chance of getting mugged by those who have no other better things to do but prey on peace-loving visitors. This is not the country we've all come to know these days, and getting hurt in a seemingly isolated area can be potentially fatal. I hope you get my drift. The graffiti on the walls don't tell the real story about its creators, whether they're just harmless folks or those who are out for something else.

[splumer]

@heder98 I only saw a couple other people when I was there. Granted, it was a rainy Tuesday afternoon in October. There was a woman walking her dog, and a couple of guys. I really don't think you'd have any trouble. I'm sure the graffiti was just from local bored kids.I'd say it's probably safer than hiking in the woods. There was a locked gate that vehicles (i.e., police or ambulances) could use to access the roadway. If you're a woman, though, that might be a different story.

[heder98]

Nice footage. How would you rate the safety for somebody who might be exploring it just by themselves? Have you noted if there's a cell phone signal on that area? Thanks.

[splumer]

@heder98 If you mean safety regarding getting mugged, then it's as safe as anywhere else in rural PA. Safety from injury, a little less so. There are cracks in the road surface that might cause a road bike some grief. but a hybrid or mountain bike would barely notice. The tunnels are totally safe from collapse, the offices & stuff have broken glass, rusty metal & other hazards. Treat it as you would a hike in the woods. There are houses visible from the road.

[splumer]

@heder98 Also, the current turnpike passes over the eastern tunnel, so you're never far from civilization. The offices & machine rooms are officially off-limits, and there is some danger there, but no more than any other urbex environment. I was able to get both a Verizon & Nextel cell signal there. Work actually called me at one point while I was there. "Yeah, I can come in. I'll be there in seven hours!" I don't think you'd have any trouble by yourself.

[boondocksaint909]

where is this exactly?

[splumer]

@boondocksaint909 Pennsylvania. But seriously, in Breezewood, PA, where Interstates 70 and 76 come together. The town itself is nothing but fast food, gas stations and motels, but east of there, off of US 30, is the trailhead. You park there, then walk or bike east along the old turnpike. It's owned by the Nature Conservancy now, who plans to turn it into a multi-purpose trail. It's about 8 miles from the trailhead to the far end of the second tunnel.

[apocyldoomer]

That is fukin awesome! have to get out there when I can find the time, which is..???

[heder98]

Your words are reassuring so I'll most likely put this on my to-ride list this year, together with the Lehigh Gorge trail. Thanks.

[pdlong123456789]

Nice vid... good steady work too.

Was wondering about the soundtrack when watching the linked vid. Didn't even think of T.D. (Guess we're aging ourselves just by knowing who they are - even though it seems they're still pumping stuff out.)