Tunnel/Trail Open for Business
After several years of planning and two-years of construction, Barnesville’s new bike and pedestrian walking trail is complete and open to the public.
When it was under construction Mayor Jake Hershberger shared with WTOV-TV “It’s a really cool walking trail. People can use it for 5Ks and other stuff as well. A lot of people would walk through Railroad Street or walking on the road because we didn’t have sidewalks there.”
The paved pathway runs from east South Street to Bethesda Street Extension and features a parking area at the B&O depot trailhead. Highlighting the project is the restoration of the railroad tunnel beneath East Main and South Arch streets.
The multi-million dollar project, funded almost exclusively by the Ohio Department of Transportation, was necessary, in part, as State Route 147 is located above. The c.1870 tunnel with its serious structural issues now sports a liner. The trail through the tunnel is also illuminated 24-7.
View the completed tunnel in a video produced by and released by the Belmont County Tourism Council this week. Watch it here.
The first major use of the renovated B & O Tunnel/Trail occurred during the recent Barnesville Pumpkin Festival when the very popular “Little Roaming Railroad” hauled thousands through the tunnel and along the trail at the depot. The ride’s presence was thanks to a grant from the Belmont County Tourism Council.
For those who missed the ride, it returns briefly during Christmas in the Ville, from 10 am – Noon, Saturday, December 5! ©Barnesville Area News Company Photo
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