Project Overview
The Blue Mountain and Kittatinny Tunnel Rehabilitation project will improve and modernize two sets of tunnels along the PA Turnpike mainline between the Willow Hill Interchange (Exit 189) and Blue Mountain Interchange (Exit 201) in Franklin County. The project team is evaluating upgrades needed to address aging infrastructure, enhance safety, and improve long‑term reliability for travelers.
Key upgrades include measures to control water infiltration, such as installing new barriers, waterproof membranes, and improved drainage systems. Structural repairs to tunnel liners and ceilings are being planned, along with enhancements to ventilation systems to ensure optimal air quality and carbon monoxide control. Electrical system upgrades are also part of the design, featuring new automatic transfer switches, backup generators, emergency bus breakers, and advanced monitoring systems like color CCTV cameras, thermal cameras, and fiber optic fire/temperature detection.
Lighting improvements will replace outdated fixtures with energy-efficient LED units, stainless steel housings, and ambient light sensors to optimize visibility. Fire, life safety, and communication upgrades are being designed, including new exit signage, highlighted exit areas, and updated portal and lane control signs. The portal buildings at each end of the tunnel will receive new paint, doors, metal panels, roof repairs, plumbing fixtures, heating and air conditioning, and exterior repairs. Entrance enhancements, such as new coatings to reduce the “black hole effect,” are also being evaluated to improve driver experience and safety.
This project will also include a partial replacement of the Trout Run bridge that carries the mainline over Trout Run, which is located between both tunnels.
