November News Along the GAP
|
|
|
Lengthy Construction to Close 10-Mile Section near Boston
The Regional Trail Corporation, which owns and manages significant sections of the Great Allegheny Passage between Homestead and Connellsville, announced that it will close the GAP to all travelers between mile marker 120.9 (the Buena Vista trail access area and parking lot) and mile marker 131.1 (where the GAP crosses Liberty Way in Port Vue, near McKeesport), beginning November 16, 2020.
This closure is planned to last for five months – at least until April 15, 2021, and perhaps slightly longer depending on winter weather and the progress of contractors. There is no posted or easy detour, as nearby roads are hilly and narrow. We will keep www.gaptrail.org updated on progress as we receive updates from the Regional Trail Corporation.
This closure will allow contractors deployed by Elizabeth Township to install municipal sewer lines underneath the GAP for approximately nine miles. Long-term benefits include the replacement or repair of culverts that divert stormwater runoff under the GAP, and a complete trail resurfacing between Boston and Buena Vista.
Our best advice to thru-riders, aside from shortening your trip, is to arrange a shuttle between McKeesport and Buena Vista. The following businesses may be able to serve you: Bill’s Car Service (412-855-4484), Wilderness Voyagers (800-272-4141), or 2 Wheel Escapes (240-674-7626).
|
|
Borden Tunnel Now Lighted
The Allegany County (Maryland) Board of County Commissioners contracted with American Energy Services to install a stand-alone photovoltaic lighting system in the 957-foot Borden Tunnel, work that is now complete. The lights are triggered by motion detectors. An initiative among Mountain Maryland Trails, Allegany County Department of Public Works, and the City of Frostburg, the $183,000 project was made possible with grant funding awarded to Allegany County by the MDOT National Recreational Trail Program.
|
|
|
GAP Named in Top 15 Trails
Fodor's Travel, the internationally-trusted resource for vacationers and adventurers, has named the Great Allegheny Passage one of the "most scenic bike trails in America," noting that bike rides are good for the soul, especially pretty ones" and "even in a pandemic, we’ve got standards and ain’t nobody got time to waste on mediocre scenery." We're pleased by the compliment and the good company, and welcome travelers to enjoy the cooler temperatures and wide-open views of fall.
|
|
|
New Repair Station Installed
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, there's a new Dero Fix-It Station and Air Pump installed along the Great Allegheny Passage in Duquesne. A big shout-out to volunteers from the Steel Valley Trail Council for setting up this new repair station, and for adding nearby picnic tables and a lookout over the adjacent Monongahela River. The stations feature a range of Allen and box wrenches, screwdrivers, and tire levers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
