The Haunted Tunnel Near Pittsburgh That's Not For The Faint Of Heart
By Beth Price-Williams|Published May 03, 2019
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Do you believe in ghosts? Or, do you just roll your eyes when you hear about another hotel, home, or museum that is haunted by the ghosts of the past? Whichever camp you fall in, you’ll probably get a chill when you read about the haunted tunnel near Pittsburgh that’s said to have been haunted since the 1800s.
Pittsburgh claims its fair share of haunted spots. But, today we’re heading to an inconspicuous tunnel — the Horseshoe Curve Tunnel — not too far from the famous Horseshoe Curve in Altoona. In this tunnel is where the spirit of an Irishwoman is said to have lingered since the late 1800s.
Locals debate why the woman’s spirit remains in the tunnel. However, most believe one of two theories. The despondent woman in a flowing white dress, in one version, was said to be waiting outside of the tunnel for her love to arrive after a day on the job.
In the other version, her love has tragically died — perhaps at the hands of a murderer — and she simply remains in the tunnel, still waiting for her beau to return.
Countless drivers have terrifying tales of paranormal encounters as they drive through the tunnel, particularly on the Altoona side. Drivers have told of smelling sulfur and struggling to breathe as they travel through the tunnel and just before the Irishwoman in white appears.
Still others talk of stopping in the middle of the tunnel. And, after flashing their lights and honking their horn three times, they hear children giggling as shadows run past. (Never stop in the middle of the tunnel. It is extremely dangerous for both you and other drivers.)
Finally, when you arrive at your destination, get out of your car and check the windows. Some travelers tell of handprints — perhaps from the anguished Irishwoman — on their windows after emerging from the tunnel.
What’s your take on this haunted tunnel near Pittsburgh? Do you think it’s haunted? Or, do you just think it’s a local legend and nothing more? Join the conversation in the comments! Then, click here to read about the most haunted street in Pittsburgh.
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