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$350,000 is a lot of money to raise!

But every dollar counts in repairing the Greer tunnel ceiling. To clear the Greer, click here to donate. And ask your friends to help out as well.

The Challenge

Scaffolding keeps users safe from falling debris.

The heavily used Greer tunnel in Peters Township is located in one of the most scenic parts of the Montour Trail. Its ceiling has been slowly deteriorating. Once it became dangerous to users, volunteers erected a temporary scaffold-and-plywood shield to safeguard walkers, runners and bikers from debris detaching from the ceiling. In 2022, MTC applied for and received ~ $240,000 in grant funds to install a permanent ceiling liner — half of the total cost, with a commitment from MTC to contribute another ~$250,000.

In spring 2023, volunteers and contractors discovered that the tunnel’s façade had become unstable, creating an unsafe situation for users. MTC closed the Greer tunnel immediately. Emergency repairs and security equipment will cost another ~$100,000. 

As a result, MTC’s budget shortfall on this project is $350,000.

The Fix

The immediate action plan — the emergency repair — secured the tunnel portal facade, which was so destabilized that the Montour Trail Council closed the Greer tunnel to traffic. Engineers drilled into bedrock from the side and top of the portal, inserted threaded steel rods that fastened to steel plates, and then grouted the holes.

Greer tunnel headwall elevation and section repair – click to enlarge

The second (and original) repair deals with fixing the tunnel’s ceiling. A steel lining system is being installed at the eastern portal and extending approximately 100 feet into the tunnel. The lining  will stabilize the existing concrete structure. The repair will improve trail user safety as well as provide a tunnel liner that will serve for the next 50 years.

The Montour Trail Council wants to minimize disruptions during construction. However, the tunnel may be closed when ceiling repairs begin in late summer.