The 111-year-old Greer Tunnel on the Montour Trail is closed again, but it is expected to open again to walkers, bicyclists and other users in April.
This closure is for the third and final phase of a renovation project — the stabilization of the western portal of the tunnel, which is at mile marker 28.5 in Peters near Chartiers Creek.
The Montour Trail Council estimates that the tunnel will be closed only until early to
mid-April.
But as was the case during previous closures, said MTC president Julian Wolfe, “there are no suitable alternate routes, and local roads are narrow, carry significant traffic and have poor sightlines. We encourage users to explore other sections of the trail.”
The tunnel reopened in November after it was closed twice in 2023, primarily to construct a new steel liner in the eastern section of the tunnel’s ceiling and walls. The 235-
foot-long tunnel was built by the Montour Railroad Co. in 1913 when what’s now the trail was railroad track.
Funding for the $1 million-plus rehabilitation was granted by Redevelopment Authority of Washington County, but the council needs to raise additional funds. So its “Clear the Greer” fundraising appeal continues. Donors can contribute at montourtrail.org/greer-tunnel-2 or by using a QR code on signs at many of the trailheads along the 60-mile trail, the main part of which runs from Coraopolis to Clairton.
Bob, a feature writer and editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is currently on strike and serving as interim editor of the Pittsburgh Union Progress. Contact him at bbatz@unionprogress.com.
