The comparative cost of grading and damages, upon the two lines, would be rather in favor of the route adopted.
A line has also been located from the junction of Turtle and Bush creeks, which passes up Bush creek and through Greensburg to Bernhard's summit, thence by the valleys of Fourteen Mile Run, Sauxman's and Magee's Runs, to the Conemaugh, at the gap through Chestnut ridge.
If the Conemaugh route, by Johnstown, should be adopted, the line by Greensburg will be about 3¾ miles longer than that by Turtle creek, but passes east of the Loyalhanna, over much more favorable ground than any other line examined.
Its advantages, in relation to the local trade of a rich and populous section of country, west and east of Chestnut ridge, through the gap formed by the Loyalhanna, give it strong claim for consideration.
Whether the increased length of the line and the difficulties west of Greensburg will be sufficient to counterbalance these local advantages we will leave undecided until the comparative estimates have been fully made out. Another line was traced, leaving Greensburg and passing into Ligonier valley, through Chestnut ridge, at the Loyalhanna Gap, thence north of this ridge along Coalpit and Kendrick's Runs, to the Conemaugh, which resulted unfavorably.
Further examinations will be made through Ligonier valley, striking the Conemaugh higher up. The Black Lick and the country between it and the Conemaugh will also be examined during the season.
The following summary statement will exhibit the estimated cost and distances of a continuous railroad from Harrisburg to Pittsburg, via Johnstown and Blairsville, graded for a double track, and a single track and turnouts laid.
The estimate is based on prices that are believed to be ample to finish the road in a substantial manner. If the work should be pushed with cautious energy, it may be completed for a somewhat less sum.
The width of the roadbed at grade line in thorough cuts of earth is 32 feet, in rock 26 feet and on embankments 25 feet.