Thursday, July 9, 2026

1940+1965 I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) Blue and Kittatinny Mountain Tunnels

Blue: (Satellite) 4,339' (1,323m), the shortest of the four active turnpike tunnels.
Kittatinny: (Satellite) 4,727' (1441m)

When the turnpike was built, the tunnels were just one tube. They became a severe bottleneck before the second tubes were finally added.

Jackson-Township historical preservation posted
Blue Mountain Tunnel, located in Franklin County, was one of the eight tunnels on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, around 1960.  The Blue Mountain Tunnel was originally built as a two-lane tunnel in 1940. It was later expanded in the 1960s to include an additional two lanes. The tunnel is located 600 feet east of the Kittatinny Mountain Tunnel, separated by the Gunter Valley. 
(Photo from Jeff Wright)
Chris Gennaula: Actually, the tunnel was started in the 19th Century as part of the South Penn Railroad.

These street views are taken from the same location in Gunter Valley. That is, the tunnels are close to each other.

Looking East at Blue Tunnel
Street View, Nov 2025

Looking West at Kittatinny Tunnel
Street View, Nov 2025

1973/73 Doylesburg Quad @ 24,000

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