SomCo group opposing 1,000 foot wide cut into Allegheny Mountain

The area of the Allegheny Mountain Tunnel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike would instead be a 1,000-foot-wide gash in the mountain if plans by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission follow through.

Chairman of a group called ‘Citizens to Save the Allegheny Mountain Randy Musser said the environmental effects that could be caused make this a "destructive plan."

The Turnpike Commission said there are multiple reasons this project is needed. Those reasons include an increased accident rate in and approaching the tunnel, both directions of the tunnel need "major rehabilitation,” and the tunnel forces someone hauling certain hazardous materials to exit disrupting travel. They said it also creates traffic congestion and their plan would make the area more free flowing.

State representative Carl Walker Metzgar who serves part of Somerset County (69th district), argues this could disrupt the outdoor lifestyle that many people in the area live.

He said this could drive away animals that migrate through the mountain as well as lower the quality of water in the area. Metzgar said because of the size of the cut, it could even affect the weather in Bedford County.

In a statement the PA Turnpike Commission said a review of the environmental resources was conducted, and they have been and will continue working with representatives and community in the area.

Citizens to Save the Allegheny Mountain said they gathered Monday to kick off their fight against the project and accept a nearly $20,000 grant to educate the public about the project.

The state Turnpike Commission said right now they are in the preliminary design phase and expect that to continue all the way into the fall of 2027.

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