Historic Steam Giant Set to Draw Crowds in Cresson |
Traffic restrictions and shuttle services planned as Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” arrives |
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Cresson Borough is preparing to host a major attraction as Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive is scheduled to visit on Saturday, July 11. The massive historic engine is expected to arrive along the 500 block of Front Street at approximately 10:45 a.m. and will depart around 11:15 a.m. Officials anticipate a turnout of between 6,000 and 10,000 visitors for the brief stop. Due to the expected influx of spectators, significant traffic congestion and parking challenges are anticipated throughout the area. To accommodate the event, Front Street will be closed from Admiral Peary Highway to Webster Street in nearby Sankertown Borough beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9. Parking along Front Street will be prohibited until approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, or until the area reopens. Residents living along Front Street are asked to remove their vehicles by 7:45 p.m. on July 9 and make alternate parking arrangements until the closure is lifted. Event parking will be available at Mount Aloysius College, where shuttle buses will begin transporting visitors to Front Street starting at 8 a.m. Saturday. Attendees can also enjoy food and refreshments from local businesses and vendors, including Belly Busters, Keiper’s Subs, The Brick on Front, and Frosty’s Caboose. Cooling stations and first-aid services will be available on-site to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. For additional information, residents and visitors can contact Cresson Borough at (814) 886-2139 or via email at cressonboro@gmail.com. |