Published: October 16, 2007 11:38 pm      

Construction starts on $1.2M rail trail

CRESSON — Work has begun on a hiking-biking trail at the Cambria-Blair county line that eventually could link to the Path of the Flood Trail outside Johnstown or the more northern Ghost Town Trail, officials said Tuesday.

Construction began two weeks ago on a New Portage Railroad trail that will allow hiking and biking on about half of the 10 miles; the remainder will be limited to foot traffic.

The $1.2 million pathway will link Dry Run Road in Juniata Township, Blair County, to the Lemon House in Cresson Township.

When completed, recreation enthusiasts will be able to experience firsthand how people and goods were moved over the mountain long before cars and highways.

“It’s a beautiful scenic area, and we’re back to quality-of-life issues when it comes to economic development,” said Keith Newlin of the National Park Service. He works as deputy superintendent for the Allegheny Portage site.

The trail underscores the difficulties the Allegheny Portage Railroad had in getting trains over the mountain in the 1850s, Newlin said. The path will follow the old railbed through Mule Shoe Curve and into Cresson.

The two-phase project already has a $631,000 federal commitment through U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, R-Hollidaysburg, and the NPS is looking to the state for the remainder, officials said.

Plans are to allow bicycles on much of the Blair County section and limit access to hiking only on the more mountainous section on the actual remnants of the Old Portage Railroad.

“This area is much more sensitive and we don’t want bikes on it,” Newlin said.

Dee Columbus, executive director of the Cambria Conservation and Recreation Authority, said the trail could be significant as a future link to other trails. “It will definitely be a help.”

The trail also is viewed as a link to a 320-mile Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway that many hope to see.

The trail should be open by fall 2008.