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Union Pacific’s 'Big Boy' locomotive to visit Hollidaysburg in July; borough readies for surge of visitors
Summary
Borough staff told council that Union Pacific’s Big Boy steam locomotive will stop in Hollidaysburg July 8–11 for public viewing; staff and the police expect large crowds and are planning logistics and public safety measures.
Borough staff told Hollidaysburg Borough Council on April 9 that Union Pacific Railroad’s historic “Big Boy” steam locomotive will stop in Hollidaysburg for public viewing July 8–11, with arrival scheduled July 8 and departure July 11. The borough manager said Union Pacific estimated the locomotive’s visit could draw very large crowds, citing a Union Pacific figure of about "30,000 people a day." The engine will be staged at the railyard adjacent to Canal Basin Park and will not operate excursion trips while in town.
Council and staff said they are coordinating with Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern and the Everett Railroad on logistics, crowd control and public safety planning. The borough manager asked residents to bear with staff as they prepare for transportation and visitor needs during the multi‑day event.
The mayor also praised local partners for facilitating the visit and said the stop is an unusual opportunity for Hollidaysburg; staff emphasized planning for public works support, parking and police resources to manage the influx of visitors.
