C&P Tunnel, Frostburg
The route of the C&P included three single-tracked tunnels. One tunnel was built under the Town of Frostburg, to allow the line from Mt. Savage to continue to Piedmont. This 537 foot brick and stone lined tunnel is still in existence, and is passable. The two other tunnels on the line were on the Eckhart Branch. The Frostburg tunnel involved the excavation of 6,560 cubic yards of material. It was constructed around 1855. The C&P extended from Mt. Savage to Borden Yard in 1854, and joined the line from Lonaconing by 1856.
The tunnel was in use until the Western Maryland acquisition of the C&P. Then, the C&P lines were served by connections from both ends. The use of the tunnel was abandoned by 1954. The tracks were removed, and a sewer line was buried in the tunnel floor circa late 1980's. The tunnel is now the responsibility of the county.
There was a concern that if the tunnel collapses, a large hole will appear in Main Street of Frostburg. In an inspection on Feb. 25, 1999 by the State Highway Administration, and local representatives, the tunnel was found to be in a rather remarkable state of repair. An engineering/geological analysis is being conducted. There is some 70 feet depth of cover (mostly rock) between the tunnel roof and Main street.
On the south side of the tunnel, the Bowery Street bridge crossed the tracks in a cut. The bridge was built in 1916, being funded 50% by the railroad, and 50% by the City of Frostburg. The bridge was removed in 1998.
The Frostburg C&P tunnel was brick lined, probably with local product from the brickyards at Allegany. The north portal has been cemented. The south portal, which opens into a cut, is laid rock. There was a fall-in in the tunnel at some time, and 12"x12" timbers were used to brace the roof. Also, after initial construction, the floor of the tunnel was dropped some 4-6 feet.
Photos courtesy Denny Debus, MD-SHA
Updated 3/22/1999
