CamTran exploring options for major repairs of Johnstown Inclined Plane

JOHNSTOWN -- It's a popular attraction for visitors and the community but according to Cambria County Transit Authority officials, major repairs may be underway for the Johnstown Inclined Plane this fall.

"We are going to try to cooordinate this so most of the work is done in the down time. We may have to close a little early this fall and may open a little late next spring," said the chairman of the CamTran board, Ed Cernic Jr. "We can tell it's coming to that time we need to do major renovations and upgrades."

The best bird's-eye view of the city is already open for the season but might be under renovation in a couple months as the popular attraction is hitting its 125th anniversary this June.

"We constantly monitor the safety aspects of the Inclined Plane so we are in the process now of hiring an engineering firm with experience in rail and incline facilities," said Cernic.

Cernic said the first thing on the engineer's to-do list is to do an overview of the incline and see what needs to be replaced and renovated.

"The second thing we will go for the funding. We know that we will have to upgrade the ties, rails...which are a big job working on the side of the hill," said Cernic.

Cernic said other upgrades include carriages and the engine house. He said the cost to fund the engineering study has not yet been finalized.

"We're hoping to get funds from the state to get help with this," said Cernic. "We will also have local funds."

Cernic emphasized that the project is not funded from the mass transit budget.

"The inclined plane is a separate budget from the mass transit budget," said Cernic. "Now we do have reserved funds that we might use if we have to."

Officials said they plan to keep the Inclined Plane open for the summer. Right now, the committee and staff will review two proposals for the major rehabilitation and will make recommendations at the next authority meeting scheduled on April 22nd.

Cernic said the transit authority is hoping to award an engineering firm with a contract at the meeting to set the process in motion.

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