Main Line of Public Works

The Main Line of Public Works was a railroad and canal system built by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the 19th century. It ran from Philadelphia west through Harrisburg and across the state to Pittsburgh and connected with other divisions of the Pennsylvania Canal. It consisted of the following principal sections, moving from east to west:

  • Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad: 82 miles (132 km) from Philadelphia to Columbia in Lancaster County
  • Eastern Division Canal: 43 miles (69 km) from Columbia to Duncan's Island at the mouth of the Juniata River
  • Juniata Division Canal: 127 miles (204 km) from Duncan's Island to Hollidaysburg
  • Allegheny Portage Railroad: 36 miles (58 km) from Hollidaysburg to Johnstown
  • Western Division Canal: 103 miles (166 km) from Johnstown to the terminus in Pittsburgh.

The system opened in 1834 and was sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1857.

Read more about Main Line Of Public Works:  Philadelphia and Columbia Railroad, Eastern Division Canal, Juniata Division Canal, Allegheny Portage Railroad, Western Division Canal, Points of Interest

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