The EBT Foundation and the Friends of the East Broad Top announced Sept. 23 that they had received a $1 million grant from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment and Capital Assistance Program that will fund the construction of a new station in Three Springs, Pa., as well as track and bridge repairs to connect the historic narrow gauge railroad with nearby Saltillo.

Since 2020, the EBT Foundation has been rebuilding the 3-foot-gauge railroad with the goal of eventually reaching Saltillo. Trains have not run through Three Springs to Saltillo since 1956, when the original railroad closed. From 1960 until 2011, the 3.3-mile section between Orbisonia/Rockhill Furnace and Colgate Grove was operated as a tourist railroad. The railroad and the historic shop complex at Orbisonia then sat unused for nine years before the foundation purchased it. Besides reopening the line to Colgate Grove, the nonprofit set the ambitious goal of rebuilding about eight miles of track south to Saltillo. Since then, the railroad has been rebuilt to Pogue, and track work is underway just south of there and north out of Saltillo. EBT officials said the grant will help connect that southern section with Three Springs.

The station at Three Springs was demolished in 1954, and the new building will be a close recreation of the original structure based on drawings from the EBT archives. Externally, construction will mimic the appearance of the station in the 1950s, while the interior will incorporate small changes to improve functionality and accessibility while maintaining its historic appearance. The railroad rebuilt the station at Saltillo earlier this year.

“The EBT Foundation is proud to partner with the Friends of the East Broad Top on the next phase of construction to reconnect Three Springs with Saltillo,” said EBT Foundation General Manager Brad Esposito. “Much work has been done to get to this point, and I want to thank both borough councils and the many local organizations and residents who have shown interest and have participated in planning to get to this point. Additionally, I want to thank Sen. Judy Ward and Rep. Rich Irvin, as well as the Huntingdon County commissioners, for their support. Three Springs and Saltillo will play a large role in the rebirth of the East Broad Top Railroad and we are excited to help promote economic growth in these communities.”

—Justin Franz