 Project Description: Built in 1840, the 253-foot long Howard Tunnel is the oldest, continuously operational railroad tunnel in the nation. This tunnel is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The tunnel's entrances consist of rough-faced coursed ashlar stones with limestone date stones. The interior of the tunnel is brick. Maintenance and repair work
was necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the tunnel as well as the aesthetic integrity of this historic structure. The repair work included
drainage improvements, replacement of missing bricks and
coping stones, cleaning of the stone and brick, repointing areas of loose and missing mortar and
graffiti removal. New materials matched the original as close as possible to preserve the historic ambience of the tunnel.
The Heritage Rail Trail utilizes this tunnel on a recreational corridor through southern York County.
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