The Johnstown Inclined Plane has now been closed for over three years and even with a brief update on Monday, we still do not know when the historic landmark could reopen.
The project to fix the inclined plane is 92% done, according to CamTran officials, although it has sat at that mark for a while now, according to previous updates also saying the project was at the 92-percent mark.
Now, officials say they have potentially hit another snag in the process.
Executive Director of the Cambria County Transit Authority, Rose Lucey-Noll, tells us in a text that she will be sharing a timeline for the project when engineers provide one, but right now, that is not available.
In a meeting last week, the CamTran board rejected bids on replacement haul ropes for the inclined plane because it is not the right time, according to Lucey-Noll. She said they will rebid later.
The inclined plane is one of the most iconic landmarks and attraction sites in Johnstown. Visit Johnstown has put its efforts toward promoting other attractions in the area in the over three years the inclined plane has been closed since the summer 2021.
“It’s been hard at times not having it on our menu of things to promote, but fortunately the conversation we’re not having is about the inclined plane being shut down permanently and losing it forever.”
Rager said when it does open, the inclined plane will be used to invite people back to the community.
“The inclined plane is a very visual attraction, so when people come into our area you can’t help but see it on the hillside It is disappointing when visitors come in and they say ‘what’s that on the hillside’ or ‘I understand that’s it’s still closed and would like to do that.’”
Rager adds that she anticipates it will bring a positive light to Johnstown when the inclined plane is able to open again.
Once again, CamTran has run into several issues, but it does seem that the intent is to finish the project whenever that may be.