01-03-2025
CamTran approves bid to replace Inclined Plane haul ropes as project progresses
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – The Cambria County Transit Authority approved a $559,777 bid Friday to replace haul ropes at the Johnstown Inclined Plane.
It was another sign of progress for a more than $16 million rehabilitation project that is back underway at the historic funicular railway, with the goal of completing work in 2025.
The cables are part of a system that works in tandem with six main haul wheels, or 'sheave wheels,' as the Inclined Plane's cars are hoisted between downtown Johnstown and Westmont Borough.
CamTran Executive Director Rose Lucey-Noll said the project's general contractor, Mosites Construction Co., was the low bidder for the rope project. State funding is covering the work, she said.
'It's positive news,' Lucey-Noll said. 'Everything is progressing now.'
The transit authority previously rejected offers on the ropes' replacement in September after issues with the Incline's wheels halted the project until late last year.
The main haul sheave wheels and two safety wheels, which are situated vertically above them, must be installed in a set order, and all must be in place before the ropes are installed, she said.
The area where the wheels operate 'is a small space, so they have to be put in carefully,' Lucey-Noll said.
CamTran's board also received an update on ongoing repairs to the metal sheave wheels. Lucey-Noll said one safety wheel was recently installed.
The other wheel and five main haul wheels have been repaired and polished and are in storage awaiting approval to be reinstalled, while one other wheel is still undergoing final work at Speranza Specialty Machine Shop in Westmoreland County.
Lucey-Noll said she was optimistic that additional wheels will be installed in March, but it's too soon to speculate how long it will take for both sets of the sheave wheels to be back in place, she added.
When that happens, Mosites Construction, which is already overseeing the broader project on site, will replace the haul ropes, she said.
After all work is complete, CamTran officials have said it will likely take five months of testing, state inspection work and employee training before the Incline can begin carrying passengers again.
A mix of state and federal funds were secured for the Inclined Plane's renovation. Lucey-Noll said the federal portion of the funds, secured years ago, are already 'in process,' so there is no apparent risk of a nationwide federal funding freeze impacting the work.
Also Friday, CamTran officials unanimously approved the purchase of a new 2025 Ford E-450 from Coach & Equipment Inc. The Share-a-Ride bus was approved at an estimated purchase price of $145,000.
