The  Pennsylvania Turnpike opened to much acclaim in 1940.  But soon after,  many of its two lane tunnels could no longer accommodate the rapidly  increasing number of vehicles on the road.  As congestion along the  Turnpike increased, the Rays Hill Tunnel and Sideling Hill Tunnel were  bypassed and abandoned in 1968. Fifty years later, the two tunnels and abandoned roadway remain largely intact. Currently  the area serves as an unofficial recreational trail, historic site,  studio for graffiti artists and site of a marathon race.  In this  episode, Ethan talks with Bedford County Planning Director Don Schwartz  about the post abandonment history of the tunnels, and efforts underway  in Bedford and Fulton counties to formally open this 8.5 mile section of  abandoned roadway as a recreational trail and event venue.