People can still use atvs & trucks to drive over all the dirt. It's sad but I don't think it will keep them out. Great views from your drone Jay thank you. 🙂👍🌷
I was wondering when they first started doing it, if maybe they were just trying to scare people from flocking there and maybe weren't really going to do it.
@@patrickdecambra2219 and the dumbasses who drive their atvs at high speeds, the people that dump trash and start fires there, and the dummy who decided to ride his longboard down the highway
Hundreds of out of staters were gathering there when they were supposed to be staying home. They ruined it for everyone. That's when they first saw it as a real major problem, even though it's private property and people have been going there for years. A lot of it was the liability. The guy who owns this could definitely make bank by charging people to come and see this fan made tourist attraction. I agree with his decision but disagree with it at the same time.
@@theodoredugranrut8201 No. I'm saying that there was a big groups of hundred of out of staters that gathered there, had bonfires, and left the trash lay. All while the stay at home order and social distancing were in effect. The state police even showed up. If a bunch of those people contracted coronavirus from this gathering, a lot of it would be on the people who own Graffiti Highway since they didn't do anything to actually prevent people from gathering there. Somehow it probably would've come back on the owner and they obviously don't want that. All I'm saying that it was the nail in the coffin.
@@WWIIman1942 I'm just so glad everyone from your state follows orders and never litters you should be very proud of your spotless state, I think you should charge admission to the state so all the people from all those OTHER states could see just what and how a spotless state looks like.
😢 I’m not even mad they’re covering it up.. I’m just upset at the amounts of trash on the side of the road.. I wish visitors would keep trash 🗑 in their cars or backpacks and disposed of properly to safe the environment for the rest of us to continue to enjoy.
Almost every side street in what's left of that town has garbage piled up somewhere on it. I've seen people dumping pick-up truck loads of trash on side streets and on dirt trails in the woods. Disgusting. What's left of that town isn't a public dumping ground. This isn't just about the graffiti.
thank you for all the Centralia videos. I will always remember the town as it was in the 1980's when I used to drive through there between reading pa and knoebels groves amusement park. it was a nice small town and the people were nice too. I remember driving on the graffiti highway when it was the main road, as well as many of the old original buildings. now I can only watch it from afar here in Ohio.
Seeing what it turned into, I am glad that they did this. I visited around the time the smoke was coming up from the road, over a decade ago. There were no ATVs on it and not many people then. There was a layer of snow on it and was cold, so maybe that was the reason. Sounds like it got much worse. The highway being cracked and abandoned was interesting to me, but the graffiti I just find dumb. The history of the town is interesting, but even by the time I was there, there wasn't much to see. I think it would have been more interesting in like the 90s when half the houses were gone and half still standing.
Looking at a multitude of reporting by media outlets, I am amazed how some of them refer to the visitors as “sightseers,” while others refer to them as “trespassers.” Not all of the people are sightseers, but all, every single one of them, are trespassers.
Not surprised that it is happening at all. People keep saying the massive attendance of people during the lockdown, but I think the ATV accidents, and the bonfire with 200 people actually did it in. For myself, I am disappointed, but I have seen it so many times that I am not worried about it. I enjoy the more historical areas in the town better as of my historical interest.
I still can’t figure out how they think they’re going to plant trees in the mix of stone and concrete they mounded on the highway. I hope it was just a warning to stay off the property. That fill mix seems like it could be pushed to the sides of the road and make a stable, higher area for fencing. Just my thoughts. Great video JP!!!
Tree's will grow into anything! They grow out of cracks in old Marble Buildings there one at the square in Wilkes Barre that has/ had trees growing out of the stone facade! What will happen is the roots will break up the road and reclaim the earth! Heck a mushroom can push up sidewalk And crack it! Mother Nature is powerful force especially when she wants something back!!
Ah yes Centralia that one Town thst Pennsylvania wants you to forget because they know they're the ones who screwed up in not saving it in the first place
I don't see how they're going to plant trees and have the trees live in that type of fill, let alone with the asphalt underneath. They won't be able to root deep...especially if they're only doing 3 of those loads per area. I would have thought they were have started spreading the fill by now, I do like your theories though and agree. Thumbs up and thanks for the update!
@@KentuckyFan8181 Only way to accurately estimate that is to measure the area, calculate the square footage, and then the depth to calculate the volume. And nobody is going to do that for free.
Love the footage, just seeing this road is good for me, I will never get to see it in person but I'm happy seeing videos of it.. Sad that people are ruining things.
Reminds me of my mother, who said" I can't ever have anything nice, you kids ruin every thing". Might as well let Mother Nature have it. People will continue to vandalize, sadly. Thanks for the update JP
Hi Jay, I'm not surprised they have started to cover it, it's the old story of a few people being idiots have spoiled it for the many people who do respectfully visit Centralia. Thanks for the update as I was wondering whether they had covered it yet. xx
My opinion has never changed once since I saw the highway and what's left of the town 15 or so years ago. It's tragic that the state didn't do more to try putting out the fire once it was discovered. But honestly it's not that exciting of a place to go and see if you ask me. My theory on why progress seems to have stopped on covering the road? Pagnotti realized how expensive of a project it will end up being just by the amount that was done before the stoppage. I honestly don't know why they didn't just rip out the abandoned section of road with the graffiti on it and let nature reclaim the dirt underneath on it's own.
@Ed B The thing is we already have WAY too many casinos in this state. That was just another prime example of the state only caring about the almighty tax dollars they would be making from those companies and not one bit about all of the people with gambling or drinking addictions who would be flocking to them and furthering their addictions. The state should be blamed for all of the massive frauds and thefts perpetrated by people who committed them to feed that gambling habit.
Not of the area, but you make good sense. Now if my understanding is correct, this is where the coal underground caught fire back in the 60's? and is still burning. OK I get there is still plenty of coal so you would think there might be a way to harness that energy to generate power in some manner.
Illinois approved video “gaming” a few years ago, and those machines are seemingly everywhere, and allocated zero ($0.00) dollars for the social problems that these create and/or perpetuate.
Your video was very interesting. Thanks for your drone footage. We live near and drive through often. It’s become quite dangerous. There was a very large sink hole recently. Police had to stand near it until it was filled. It was wider than my car and close enough to road that PennDOT was called to make sure it wasn’t in their area. It appeared overnight a year ago. It was there when I drove by in morning and beginning to be filled that night. I had hope to take a picture because snow on ground made it look amazing and scary. You can now see pile of stone just as you start up from 4-way stop. In addition to possible ground instability, the “tourists” are not necessarily nature lovers. They are destroying trees, trying to break into people’s homes, littering, blocking traffic, vandalizing, and stealing. As someone said earlier, a few are ruining it for many.
Unfortunately turning this into an historic site would be low on the list. Based on what you have told and shown us, this site would have to be managed 24/7, plus the costs to maintain it. The owners have obviously seen enough and want to be done with it . Its just sad, that there are people who can't enjoy things with-out destroying them.
There are dirtbags out there that should take a deep breath of corona...... Anyone stupid enough to be setting a bonfire over the top of the worlds largest underground fire should be shot on sight.
The crap they are dumping their is anything but clean fill. That stuff is tear out from another construction project and probably not worth selling. There for they need somewhere to dump it. This could even be from a town or state project and the land owners are allowing it to be dumped there. They could have very well over estimated how much was available, or didn’t really know to begin with and just told everyone it will be covered. Regardless leave it there long and it will be over grown. Trees and plants find a way to root. The asphalt will break down and crack, if a tree takes root in that crack it will split the asphalt as it grows. Life finds a way.
Great footage Jay!! I'm really not suprised that it's come to this people really got carried away and ruined it for those that were only there for the view.
This was gorgeous footage, as if we were there. TY! I wonder if Pagnotti realized how much work and money would go into this project. It'll be interesting to see what happens! STAY HEALTHY JP n FAM
😭🤧it’s so sad watching the video hope the don’t put anymore dirt on it and like you said charge people respect it and so on they could get food trucks,benches, that will pay for it self Less then months, tours, anything and save it put it on a national landmark yah yah yah there are things to save it great video hope you go back soon with updates
Who would insure in case someone gets hurt who would monitor and police the area that wouldn't stop the vandalism.and the trash from the people patronizing food trucks
The company that owns it, from what I understand, is a mining company. I doubt that they're interested in getting into the tourism business. It would involve security, insurance liability, etc. Not worth the time or expense
I agree with you may need to push it into a pile and haul IT off It is so hard to stop stupidity Write it off as something that was. Blame everyone the crude taggers who left trash, the dangerous ATV show off, even the video makers for making it famous
@@terrylockwood9176 thank you for better expressing my thoughts. I can understand some people's attachment sentimental reasons,, but to take a detached look at the situation . Now I'm way out in Ca. and will be hated for this but I think it should be pushed into a pile as roadside monument to what stupidity can do
I'm not really sure what the big deal is with the ghost town it died because if a Human mistake I say let Mother Nature have it back! Theres plenty of safe places to see and go to in Pennsylvania where you don't have to worry about a hole to Hell opening up under someone. That fire is still burning and will be for hundreds of years! If people want to flirt with Fire like that they can go to Hawaii And look into the mouth of a volcano that's just as risky you never know when the earth is going to burp.
Save what? Its an abandoned highway with childish doodling all over it. People should not be going to Centralia whatsoever, just out of respect to the town itself! 😠
I really enjoyed your videos of Graffiti Highway, and it’s sad that it will no longer be there. Thanks for keeping us updated on it, and thanks for the video.
I think it's going to come to the point where that place is patrolled 24 seven. Ive seen white trucks patrolling it before. Im suprised it took them this long to close the highway.
I'm so glad you gave us a look at what the road looks like now JP. I also do not understand them plant trees...I mean with that dirt that they've already laid be enough, I don't think so. Thanks for keeping us updated on the road. 👍
Give it time... Mother Nature always prevails. The small cracks will give way to dandelions and other weeds, then autumn olive (woody brush) and an occasional Sycamore sapling will take root in the voids. A couple of frost and freeze cycles and repeat. Once the road surface begins to deteriorate, the momentum of erosion will drive the growth.
HarrisonCountyStudio Thank you for the information and you are right about Mother Nature - she wins all the time . Yesterday I climbed up a rock wall that was left after space had been blasted out for a store to be built - excellent rock climbing adventure but even so there were small trees coming out of cracks in that wall that were not man made . The trees were not big enough to catch me if I fell but given enough time they will no doubt be of some help to another climber 😂😂😂
was there June 4- 2020. they were putting up new sign to keep out. A police officer seen us parked in front it and he turned around. However the dude putting up the signs said they are cracking down on the trespassing. We walked it and its really neat to see, even w the dirt piles. the trash is an eyesore.
I remember seeing a few documentaries about Centralia, how the underground fires started. This was the first I've heard about Centralia in quite a while. I'm surprised to see the newer highway running through it (goes to show you how long it's been since I heard about Centralia). Honestly, I think they should try to preserve it, make it a tourist attraction, but then again, with the dangers underneath, it's understandable why they hadn't. I think that highway is a cool piece of history. Thanks for posting this! It was well presented!
Great video and thanks for doing this video. This video and especially the drone footage could be one of the last documented coverage of this road before it is all covered up.
That's a shame. People liked to visit there and now it's ruined. The place had a certain beauty to it. Even if it was unsafe, so are a lot of places, but we don't cover them all in dirt.
Glad you were on top of things, and able to get there before it was completely covered. I'm wishing I made the time to go there in person. I'd driven through the town several times in the past few years, but I was in a work vehicle wearing work clothes with a clear logo and just didn't want to risk my job. There always seemed to be cops there too.
I think the company or someone should have a go fund me page or something for the highway and for the upkeep of the road area for garbage cans trash removal and stuff like that. If people truly want the road open for good reason and to enjoy it they would donate money towards it. Block it off to all atv's and motorcycles and be foot traffic only. Allow people to tag the road but any offencive tags would be painted over. People need to learn to respect that area and the town as a whole and the people still living there if that can't be done there is no other option but to cover it completely which I would hate to see. I'm kind of local to that area and I like the history of the town. I would like to pass the history to my kid one day and let him see it 1st hand and enjoy that whole area. There is more to the town then just graffiti highway I wish everyone would know the whole story and history of the town.
Jay, Great before an after drone footage. I like your thoughts on what they did and what they might have done. Personally I think covering the road and planting grass and trees was the only way to stop the area from being an attractive nuisance. Also the privacy of the residents and land owner should be respected. What you saw was mostly a bunch of punks, mostly young who don,t give a damn. Cheers, Rik Spector
The fire is spreading towards Ashland and if the state doesn't act quickly, Ashland will go up in flames, just like Centralia did. They didn't fix this problem in the 60s or the 70s or the 80s and they abandoned the town in the 90s and let the fire keep burning for the past 30 years Now it's threatening Ashland if I were the mayor of Ashland I would be talkin to every media outlet and holding a press conferenceand begging for the governor and the government to send help and put this fire out before it claims his town
I remember driving into Centralia in the late 80s and partying with people we met in Pottstowns cruising strip. Actually got gas up there about .79c a gallon, I got 5 bucks worth to get back to Reading. If I remember right it was 1978 or 79
Another neat video,it’s a shame we have to lose it,good piece of history is there,Again thanks for this information and nice look at the highway,thanks for filming it before it disappears.Take care and stay safe as always.
This is a great video, thank you! I came here to try and find the current state of the highway. I am very much interested in exploring nature and abandoned things, but I also respect personal private property and want to avoid arrest. I had driven through the town to get to Bloomsburg earlier this year, but couldn't stop and actually visit. After watching this video and reading some comments, I guess I'm better off exploring some other neat places in the commonwealth that are legal lol. I'm not surprised they are doing this because of potential lawsuits, as well as the fact that they aren't making money off the attraction. On the other hand, I like the idea of busting up the highway as another commenter suggested, and then planting trees. That's makes more sense rather than covering the highway with a tremendous amount of dirt which takes a lot of time, money and of course, dirt... I would love to see it become a park if they are going to do anything further. Let nature reclaim, then make a nice trail and call it "Graffiti Trail" or something lol.
The first thing that came to mind when I saw the video was, "That's NOT clean fill." Looks like someone tore up a road and dumped it there, with all the chunks of asphalt/concrete in it. Doesn't surprise me, though--who wants to pay for clean fill to cover a road? No way they're planting trees there. Maybe throwing some grass and wildflower seeds on it, but nothing with deep roots! Will be interested to see how things turn out. On a side note, now I want my own drone--looks like lots of fun!
You are so right when you said other measures could have been taken . ...I always enjoy drone footages ..interesting to see the city blocks laid out . Really brings into perspective that once upon a time , there really was a town there .
Found your channel while doing research for our visit to Centralia. We finally made it there this weekend! Happy to finally get to go, sad to see the highway almost completely covered 😢 thanks to your videos we were able to navigate our way around. We went respectfully and took some memorable photos. Since we’ve been home we’ve been binge watching your channel 😊 definitely has inspired us to start planning our next adventure. I used to go all over when I was in my teens, unfortunately some places I’d like to go are no longer around. Definitely get a different perspective visiting in my late 30s! Thanks again and keep doing what you do! You’ve gained some very appreciative awesome followers. (I don’t wear gloves either and collect skulls and bones, also a fan of your Robin guest 🤪🤘🖤☠️)
JPVideos that would be awesome, thanks for the reply, next time we’re planning another trip to PA we’ll give you a heads up 🤘Rachael and Shawn and my bro Ray all from dirty Jersey
I'm upset that they decided to bury the highway, and even more upset at myself for not getting out there to see it before they did. It was a bucket list item for many years. There's clearly enough interest that they could have made it a tourist attraction. I would have paid to walk it. I imagine their lawyers wouldn't like that idea much. It's a real shame that a small percentage of people have to go and ruin things for the rest of us. Thanks for the great video though to preserve this very unique piece of history!
Pagnotti can just go ahead and bulldoze that crap off of there. Heavy fines for all ATV riders and anyone spray painting outside of the abandoned highway. Then the rest of us can still enjoy it. Thank you for this update jp I've been waiting for some drone footage.
@@CANControlGRAFFITI not necessarily. That stuff looks like it has broken up asphalt in it. If a jobsite nearby needed a place to dump trash material and didn't want to pay the landfill they could have definitely got it free.
So I’m very surprised it’s not done. They seemed so adamant about it. But at the same time maybe it was more like a threat like if you guys keep this up we’re going to bury the whole thing so we’ll just do part of it right now. Or like you said maybe it was an issue with the trucking company. It’s puzzling. I think it’d be really great to turn it into a landmark and charge admission and all that. It’d be great for the area. I appreciate you keeping us up to date on it. Thank you so much.
Feel there was an issue -w- the dirt hauling. It is sad to cover it up if that plan does hold. I agree the previous footage looked more vibrant. Either way just Amazing drone footage!! Love how easy you land the drone. Thanks for keeping us updated! :)
There's always bad apples in the bunch to ruin it for others:( The one picture of the road with the piles of dirt reminds me of candy dots on paper!! LOL! I think I've been quarantined to long!!! LOL!
Why isn't anyone investigating this whole thing? What financial interest would a mining conglomerate have in buying just an old abandoned highway, only to dump loads of money into it to keep idiots off of it? It's likely that they own the whole town, minus the 5 residential properties still there.
They probably underestimate the amount of fill needed to bury the road!?? I think it's to late to save it! To many issues, I also doubt they are interested in making it a tourist attraction even charging a fee to many insurance issues! I don't think any insurance company will write a policy for a attraction in a town with a massive underground coal fire! 🔥.
Yup that is definitely essential work. It is so important that they cover this up before covid is cleared up. Hope the property owners catch the virus.
Im proude to say that when u give good avice i take it. i stumbled across ur channel in the past before you did a few videos here in my little town. like you said here there are many places to see so why get into trubble. im obsest with coalmines hicking and trains. there may not be alot to do in shamokin but i can atleast check the library when it open to the public again. Im going to stay tuned. ur videos give me joy. have a wonderful day jp
Great video, i was there also recently on april 14th. ive never been and had to go before the place got completely destroyed! Its an incredible place sad to say that its getting destroyed!
I don't blame them not allowing the people on the road. Road could clapes no any time.big law suit any time if anything happens , plus they trash the place. Not cool
JP, that's something I'll never get to see in person. So sad, they're covering it! Really have enjoyed your videos on it. Will have to watch your 2016 video later.
I am fairly local and didn't know about the bon fire. Thanks for the info. What I heard was that they couldn't control the amounts of people gathering during COVID so they thought it they did the dirt then no one would have interest. I did hear also that people are getting arrested for trespassing. Thanks again Jay.
I think it should be preserved. I would like to see it for myself. People being stupid is what ruined it. I think the idea of charging admission for walking tours is not and idea. It would help take care of the area. I always watch your videos. Thanks for the update. Be safe out there
It's not really going to stop anything. I can see one of two things happening, either people will start using it as a motocross spot, or people will just start painting on the trees instead, or both.
Unfortunately, because of all the visitors, trespassers, vandalism, along with the dangerous environment, they probably felt they had no choice but to bury it. How else to keep people out and safe? I don't have the answers, so we'll just need to accept it and stop going there.
Surprised by the footage? Share your thoughts on what you think will be the future of graffiti hwy.
People can still use atvs & trucks to drive over all the dirt. It's sad but I don't think it will keep them out. Great views from your drone Jay thank you. 🙂👍🌷
Hi JP. heads up .You have a package from me delivered today to your p.o. box .hope you like it :)
Great footage JP it looks like a big undertaking and I bet it could be delayed because of CV19, not considered essential work?🤷♂️
I feel like this is happening because of covid19 - otherwise this place has not been on the gov't radar for quite some time.
I was wondering when they first started doing it, if maybe they were just trying to scare people from flocking there and maybe weren't really going to do it.
That’s not going to stop anything, all I see is the start of a new motocross track !!!
Awesome idea!
Yesssss great idea!!!!
It'll be that way til they plant the trees. Eventually it will all be covered and go back to nature.
Awesome, it took many many to make it. It brings many many to appreciate it. It is privately owned property though.
People always have to ruin it for others!!
The only people who are ruining it for other people are the people covering it.
@@patrickdecambra2219 and the dumbasses who drive their atvs at high speeds, the people that dump trash and start fires there, and the dummy who decided to ride his longboard down the highway
@@randomisus8711 my worldview is no victim no crime. Let that sink in.
yes yes thay do!
@@patrickdecambra2219 same. But the people that did that pushed pagnotti enterprises to covet the highway
The issues not the graffiti. It's leaving the goddamn spray cans behind when they leave
That's a big part and should be thought of the entire earth over
Hundreds of out of staters were gathering there when they were supposed to be staying home. They ruined it for everyone. That's when they first saw it as a real major problem, even though it's private property and people have been going there for years. A lot of it was the liability. The guy who owns this could definitely make bank by charging people to come and see this fan made tourist attraction. I agree with his decision but disagree with it at the same time.
@@WWIIman1942 so only the people from out of state are to blame, or have I missed the point again.
@@theodoredugranrut8201 No. I'm saying that there was a big groups of hundred of out of staters that gathered there, had bonfires, and left the trash lay. All while the stay at home order and social distancing were in effect. The state police even showed up. If a bunch of those people contracted coronavirus from this gathering, a lot of it would be on the people who own Graffiti Highway since they didn't do anything to actually prevent people from gathering there. Somehow it probably would've come back on the owner and they obviously don't want that. All I'm saying that it was the nail in the coffin.
@@WWIIman1942 I'm just so glad everyone from your state follows orders and never litters you should be very proud of your spotless state, I think you should charge admission to the state so all the people from all those OTHER states could see just what and how a spotless state looks like.
😢 I’m not even mad they’re covering it up.. I’m just upset at the amounts of trash on the side of the road.. I wish visitors would keep trash 🗑 in their cars or backpacks and disposed of properly to safe the environment for the rest of us to continue to enjoy.
You would think people would be more mature but nope
It's a fucking ghost town dumbass
@@kirkykirkykirky it's the only planet we have dumbass
@@tylernilson7021 ITS GONNA BE DUG UP IN A COUPLE OF YEARS ANYAWYS DUMBASS
@@kirkykirkykirky you're so precious
Almost every side street in what's left of that town has garbage piled up somewhere on it. I've seen people dumping pick-up truck loads of trash on side streets and on dirt trails in the woods. Disgusting. What's left of that town isn't a public dumping ground. This isn't just about the graffiti.
Yeah that shit pisses me off. I ride at RORR and it’s mostly the locals dumping bulk trash
thank you for all the Centralia videos. I will always remember the town as it was in the 1980's when I used to drive through there between reading pa and knoebels groves amusement park. it was a nice small town and the people were nice too. I remember driving on the graffiti highway when it was the main road, as well as many of the old original buildings. now I can only watch it from afar here in Ohio.
You aren't missing anything, they've absolutely trashed the area. What has taken place there is absolutely inexcusable and a travesty on many levels.
@@bdickinson6751 I can believe that. seen a lot of bad things happen everywhere when some think a place is closed down, or deserted.
Never beem there but always wanted to nnot now though upsetting
oh my god, didn't realize how much dirt was actually dumped
Technically it should be completely covered according to the statement from the owners. Im actually suprised by how much they didnt cover.
Every time I find a new hangout spot someone ruins it just like Pottstown high Street
Seeing what it turned into, I am glad that they did this. I visited around the time the smoke was coming up from the road, over a decade ago. There were no ATVs on it and not many people then. There was a layer of snow on it and was cold, so maybe that was the reason. Sounds like it got much worse. The highway being cracked and abandoned was interesting to me, but the graffiti I just find dumb. The history of the town is interesting, but even by the time I was there, there wasn't much to see. I think it would have been more interesting in like the 90s when half the houses were gone and half still standing.
Looking at a multitude of reporting by media outlets, I am amazed how some of them refer to the visitors as “sightseers,” while others refer to them as “trespassers.”
Not all of the people are sightseers, but all, every single one of them, are trespassers.
Not surprised that it is happening at all. People keep saying the massive attendance of people during the lockdown, but I think the ATV accidents, and the bonfire with 200 people actually did it in. For myself, I am disappointed, but I have seen it so many times that I am not worried about it. I enjoy the more historical areas in the town better as of my historical interest.
I still can’t figure out how they think they’re going to plant trees in the mix of stone and concrete they mounded on the highway. I hope it was just a warning to stay off the property. That fill mix seems like it could be pushed to the sides of the road and make a stable, higher area for fencing. Just my thoughts.
Great video JP!!!
Tree's will grow into anything! They grow out of cracks in old Marble Buildings there one at the square in Wilkes Barre that has/ had trees growing out of the stone facade! What will happen is the roots will break up the road and reclaim the earth! Heck a mushroom can push up sidewalk And crack it! Mother Nature is powerful force especially when she wants something back!!
It looks nice with all the painting
Ah yes Centralia that one Town thst Pennsylvania wants you to forget because they know they're the ones who screwed up in not saving it in the first place
I don't see how they're going to plant trees and have the trees live in that type of fill, let alone with the asphalt underneath. They won't be able to root deep...especially if they're only doing 3 of those loads per area.
I would have thought they were have started spreading the fill by now, I do like your theories though and agree.
Thumbs up and thanks for the update!
Yeah,doesn't look like enough dirt too me either!
Looks like it’s barely enough dirt to give the road a dusting
I think someone found out just how expensive it is to have dirt hauled in and ran out of money.
@@KentuckyFan8181 Only way to accurately estimate that is to measure the area, calculate the square footage, and then the depth to calculate the volume. And nobody is going to do that for free.
@@brianleeper5737 That's PA for ya.
Love the footage, just seeing this road is good for me, I will never get to see it in person but I'm happy seeing videos of it.. Sad that people are ruining things.
Reminds me of my mother, who said" I can't ever have anything nice, you kids ruin every thing". Might as well let Mother Nature have it. People will continue to vandalize, sadly. Thanks for the update JP
👍
Hi Jay, I'm not surprised they have started to cover it, it's the old story of a few people being idiots have spoiled it for the many people who do respectfully visit Centralia. Thanks for the update as I was wondering whether they had covered it yet. xx
My opinion has never changed once since I saw the highway and what's left of the town 15 or so years ago. It's tragic that the state didn't do more to try putting out the fire once it was discovered. But honestly it's not that exciting of a place to go and see if you ask me. My theory on why progress seems to have stopped on covering the road? Pagnotti realized how expensive of a project it will end up being just by the amount that was done before the stoppage. I honestly don't know why they didn't just rip out the abandoned section of road with the graffiti on it and let nature reclaim the dirt underneath on it's own.
That would have made too much sense
@Ed B The thing is we already have WAY too many casinos in this state. That was just another prime example of the state only caring about the almighty tax dollars they would be making from those companies and not one bit about all of the people with gambling or drinking addictions who would be flocking to them and furthering their addictions. The state should be blamed for all of the massive frauds and thefts perpetrated by people who committed them to feed that gambling habit.
Not of the area, but you make good sense.
Now if my understanding is correct, this is where the coal underground caught fire back in the 60's? and is still burning. OK I get there is still plenty of coal so you would think there might be a way to harness that energy to generate power in some manner.
Illinois approved video “gaming” a few years ago, and those machines are seemingly everywhere, and allocated zero ($0.00) dollars for the social problems that these create and/or perpetuate.
They won't dig because it's too hazardous considering the coal fire and whatnot
Thanks for the update JP!!!!
Your video was very interesting. Thanks for your drone footage. We live near and drive through often. It’s become quite dangerous.
There was a very large sink hole recently. Police had to stand near it until it was filled. It was wider than my car and close enough to road that PennDOT was called to make sure it wasn’t in their area. It appeared overnight a year ago. It was there when I drove by in morning and beginning to be filled that night. I had hope to take a picture because snow on ground made it look amazing and scary. You can now see pile of stone just as you start up from 4-way stop.
In addition to possible ground instability, the “tourists” are not necessarily nature lovers. They are destroying trees, trying to break into people’s homes, littering, blocking traffic, vandalizing, and stealing. As someone said earlier, a few are ruining it for many.
Unfortunately turning this into an historic site would be low on the list. Based on what you have told and shown us, this site would have to be managed 24/7, plus the costs to maintain it. The owners have obviously seen enough and want to be done with it . Its just sad, that there are people who can't enjoy things with-out destroying them.
There are dirtbags out there that should take a deep breath of corona......
Anyone stupid enough to be setting a bonfire over the top of the worlds largest underground fire should be shot on sight.
The crap they are dumping their is anything but clean fill. That stuff is tear out from another construction project and probably not worth selling. There for they need somewhere to dump it. This could even be from a town or state project and the land owners are allowing it to be dumped there. They could have very well over estimated how much was available, or didn’t really know to begin with and just told everyone it will be covered. Regardless leave it there long and it will be over grown. Trees and plants find a way to root. The asphalt will break down and crack, if a tree takes root in that crack it will split the asphalt as it grows. Life finds a way.
Thanks JP for the update and it was very good video from the drone thank you again
Great footage Jay!! I'm really not suprised that it's come to this people really got carried away and ruined it for those that were only there for the view.
This was gorgeous footage, as if we were there. TY! I wonder if Pagnotti realized how much work and money would go into this project. It'll be interesting to see what happens! STAY HEALTHY JP n FAM
😭🤧it’s so sad watching the video hope the don’t put anymore dirt on it and like you said charge people respect it and so on they could get food trucks,benches, that will pay for it self Less then months, tours, anything and save it put it on a national landmark yah yah yah there are things to save it great video hope you go back soon with updates
Who would insure in case someone gets hurt who would monitor and police the area that wouldn't stop the vandalism.and the trash from the people patronizing food trucks
The company that owns it, from what I understand, is a mining company. I doubt that they're interested in getting into the tourism business. It would involve security, insurance liability, etc. Not worth the time or expense
I agree with you may need to push it into a pile and haul IT off
It is so hard to stop stupidity
Write it off as something that was. Blame everyone the crude taggers who left trash, the dangerous ATV show off, even the video makers for making it famous
It should be pushed into a pile as a roadside monument to stupidy
@@terrylockwood9176 thank you for better expressing my thoughts.
I can understand some people's attachment sentimental reasons,, but to take a detached look at the situation . Now I'm way out in Ca. and will be hated for this but I think it should be pushed into a pile as roadside monument to what stupidity can do
That's sad they want to cover it up...I hope they find away to save it.
I'm not really sure what the big deal is with the ghost town it died because if a Human mistake I say let Mother Nature have it back! Theres plenty of safe places to see and go to in Pennsylvania where you don't have to worry about a hole to Hell opening up under someone. That fire is still burning and will be for hundreds of years! If people want to flirt with Fire like that they can go to Hawaii And look into the mouth of a volcano that's just as risky you never know when the earth is going to burp.
@@KRich408 You must be really fun at parties.
Save what? Its an abandoned highway with childish doodling all over it. People should not be going to Centralia whatsoever, just out of respect to the town itself! 😠
I really enjoyed your videos of Graffiti Highway, and it’s sad that it will no longer be there. Thanks for keeping us updated on it, and thanks for the video.
I think it's going to come to the point where that place is patrolled 24 seven. Ive seen white trucks patrolling it before. Im suprised it took them this long to close the highway.
I'm so glad you gave us a look at what the road looks like now JP. I also do not understand them plant trees...I mean with that dirt that they've already laid be enough, I don't think so. Thanks for keeping us updated on the road. 👍
They’re going to need a whole lot to do it if they want to plant trees because trees and roots roots can’t get through that concrete road
Give it time... Mother Nature always prevails. The small cracks will give way to dandelions and other weeds, then autumn olive (woody brush) and an occasional Sycamore sapling will take root in the voids. A couple of frost and freeze cycles and repeat. Once the road surface begins to deteriorate, the momentum of erosion will drive the growth.
HarrisonCountyStudio
Thank you for the information and you are right about Mother Nature - she wins all the time .
Yesterday I climbed up a rock wall that was left after space had been blasted out for a store to be built - excellent rock climbing adventure but even so there were small trees coming out of cracks in that wall that were not man made . The trees were not big enough to catch me if I fell but given enough time they will no doubt be of some help to another climber 😂😂😂
was there June 4- 2020. they were putting up new sign to keep out. A police officer seen us parked in front it and he turned around. However the dude putting up the signs said they are cracking down on the trespassing. We walked it and its really neat to see, even w the dirt piles. the trash is an eyesore.
I remember seeing a few documentaries about Centralia, how the underground fires started. This was the first I've heard about Centralia in quite a while. I'm surprised to see the newer highway running through it (goes to show you how long it's been since I heard about Centralia). Honestly, I think they should try to preserve it, make it a tourist attraction, but then again, with the dangers underneath, it's understandable why they hadn't. I think that highway is a cool piece of history. Thanks for posting this! It was well presented!
Great video and thanks for doing this video. This video and especially the drone footage could be one of the last documented coverage of this road before it is all covered up.
Thank you JP for updating us on Graffiti Highway and the goings on Thank you for the updated video as well. Very much appreciated.
I can’t wait to see the footage !
That's a shame. People liked to visit there and now it's ruined. The place had a certain beauty to it. Even if it was unsafe, so are a lot of places, but we don't cover them all in dirt.
Thank you for the update Jason. A lot to do there!
Glad you were on top of things, and able to get there before it was completely covered. I'm wishing I made the time to go there in person. I'd driven through the town several times in the past few years, but I was in a work vehicle wearing work clothes with a clear logo and just didn't want to risk my job. There always seemed to be cops there too.
Centralia has always caught my curiosity, it’s a neat story
Agreed
Sign needs to say : " Clean fill wanted , hell of a lot more than we have now "
They should make those responsible for the fire to haul the dirt in one wheelbarrow at a time!
I think the company or someone should have a go fund me page or something for the highway and for the upkeep of the road area for garbage cans trash removal and stuff like that. If people truly want the road open for good reason and to enjoy it they would donate money towards it. Block it off to all atv's and motorcycles and be foot traffic only. Allow people to tag the road but any offencive tags would be painted over. People need to learn to respect that area and the town as a whole and the people still living there if that can't be done there is no other option but to cover it completely which I would hate to see. I'm kind of local to that area and I like the history of the town. I would like to pass the history to my kid one day and let him see it 1st hand and enjoy that whole area. There is more to the town then just graffiti highway I wish everyone would know the whole story and history of the town.
Jay,
Great before an after drone footage.
I like your thoughts on what they did and what they might have done.
Personally I think covering the road and planting grass and trees was the only way to stop the area from being an attractive nuisance.
Also the privacy of the residents and land owner should be respected.
What you saw was mostly a bunch of punks, mostly young who don,t give a damn.
Cheers,
Rik Spector
I just googled it. The first thing that popped up was concerns of the large crowds with the pandemic.🤔
That was just an excuse for them to do this. It's been in the making for the last few years.
@@JPVideos81 that's what I figured. The pandemic has been the excuse for a lot of things.
@@lauraulnye6857 that's the sad truth.
Great drone footage. Hope that they finish covering it soon and keep the dirt bikes off.
Thank you for bringing the drone out.
Awww, so sad that they're covering the highway. Thanks JP; great footage.
The fire is spreading towards Ashland and if the state doesn't act quickly, Ashland will go up in flames, just like Centralia did.
They didn't fix this problem in the 60s or the 70s or the 80s and they abandoned the town in the 90s and let the fire keep burning for the past 30 years
Now it's threatening Ashland
if I were the mayor of Ashland I would be talkin to every media outlet and holding a press conferenceand begging for the governor and the government to send help and put this fire out before it claims his town
I guess it's just gonna keep following the coal.
@@dindog22 the saying is
The coal is older than the mountains
It just follows the veins
I don't know why they never put out the fire
I thought everyone in Ashland burned their house down by now?
I remember driving into Centralia in the late 80s and partying with people we met in Pottstowns cruising strip. Actually got gas up there about .79c a gallon, I got 5 bucks worth to get back to Reading. If I remember right it was 1978 or 79
It needs to be saved, centralia is one of my favorite places to visit. We are always respectful when we go out
Another neat video,it’s a shame we have to lose it,good piece of history is there,Again thanks for this information and nice look at the highway,thanks for filming it before it disappears.Take care and stay safe as always.
Definitely stay on top of this! Fascinating developments. Will keep watching!
People always have to mess it up for everybody
They didn't charge admission because it's considered to be unsafe. The company would get sued whenever anyone gets hurt.
This is a great video, thank you! I came here to try and find the current state of the highway. I am very much interested in exploring nature and abandoned things, but I also respect personal private property and want to avoid arrest. I had driven through the town to get to Bloomsburg earlier this year, but couldn't stop and actually visit. After watching this video and reading some comments, I guess I'm better off exploring some other neat places in the commonwealth that are legal lol. I'm not surprised they are doing this because of potential lawsuits, as well as the fact that they aren't making money off the attraction. On the other hand, I like the idea of busting up the highway as another commenter suggested, and then planting trees. That's makes more sense rather than covering the highway with a tremendous amount of dirt which takes a lot of time, money and of course, dirt... I would love to see it become a park if they are going to do anything further. Let nature reclaim, then make a nice trail and call it "Graffiti Trail" or something lol.
Wow that's a lot of dirt! Loved the drone footage!
Good update JP!
The first thing that came to mind when I saw the video was, "That's NOT clean fill." Looks like someone tore up a road and dumped it there, with all the chunks of asphalt/concrete in it. Doesn't surprise me, though--who wants to pay for clean fill to cover a road? No way they're planting trees there. Maybe throwing some grass and wildflower seeds on it, but nothing with deep roots! Will be interested to see how things turn out.
On a side note, now I want my own drone--looks like lots of fun!
Its perfect for situations like this.
You are so right when you said other measures could have been taken . ...I always enjoy drone footages ..interesting to see the city blocks laid out . Really brings into perspective that once upon a time , there really was a town there .
Wow, great photos! You're a good photographer!
Stay well & take care Jay 💙🙂👍
I was there on 4/21/2020 i wanted to see the beauty before they cover it! It was amazing hopefully they make it a landmark
Appreciate the update! 🙂👍
Found your channel while doing research for our visit to Centralia. We finally made it there this weekend! Happy to finally get to go, sad to see the highway almost completely covered 😢 thanks to your videos we were able to navigate our way around. We went respectfully and took some memorable photos. Since we’ve been home we’ve been binge watching your channel 😊 definitely has inspired us to start planning our next adventure. I used to go all over when I was in my teens, unfortunately some places I’d like to go are no longer around. Definitely get a different perspective visiting in my late 30s! Thanks again and keep doing what you do! You’ve gained some very appreciative awesome followers. (I don’t wear gloves either and collect skulls and bones, also a fan of your Robin guest 🤪🤘🖤☠️)
Haha thanks so much. Maybe we can explore together sometime.
JPVideos that would be awesome, thanks for the reply, next time we’re planning another trip to PA we’ll give you a heads up 🤘Rachael and Shawn and my bro Ray all from dirty Jersey
Very nice video enjoyed seeing everything from above with the drone.
Expected but if they can save the highway that was wonderful either way we still have JP videos. Thanks for a bird eye view of Centralia
I'm upset that they decided to bury the highway, and even more upset at myself for not getting out there to see it before they did. It was a bucket list item for many years. There's clearly enough interest that they could have made it a tourist attraction. I would have paid to walk it. I imagine their lawyers wouldn't like that idea much. It's a real shame that a small percentage of people have to go and ruin things for the rest of us. Thanks for the great video though to preserve this very unique piece of history!
Thankfully we have videos to look back on
Pagnotti can just go ahead and bulldoze that crap off of there. Heavy fines for all ATV riders and anyone spray painting outside of the abandoned highway. Then the rest of us can still enjoy it. Thank you for this update jp I've been waiting for some drone footage.
YES!
That has got to be expensive. Not only the cost of Loam/gravel but hauling.
Nvm that isnt quite clean fill
Still costs money and to do it improper right out the gate is wasteful.
@@CANControlGRAFFITI I am correcting calling it loan or gravel its fill.
I wouldnt go so far as to call it clean.
Stephanie Howe It’s just a big dirty load.
@@CANControlGRAFFITI not necessarily. That stuff looks like it has broken up asphalt in it. If a jobsite nearby needed a place to dump trash material and didn't want to pay the landfill they could have definitely got it free.
My son and I saw it yesterday; half of the "dirt" seems to be coal tailings.
So I’m very surprised it’s not done. They seemed so adamant about it. But at the same time maybe it was more like a threat like if you guys keep this up we’re going to bury the whole thing so we’ll just do part of it right now. Or like you said maybe it was an issue with the trucking company. It’s puzzling. I think it’d be really great to turn it into a landmark and charge admission and all that. It’d be great for the area. I appreciate you keeping us up to date on it. Thank you so much.
Great video, JP. Thanks for posting.
My pleasure
Feel there was an issue -w- the dirt hauling. It is sad to cover it up if that plan does hold. I agree the previous footage looked more vibrant. Either way just Amazing drone footage!! Love how easy you land the drone. Thanks for keeping us updated! :)
There's always bad apples in the bunch to ruin it for others:( The one picture of the road with the piles of dirt reminds me of candy dots on paper!! LOL! I think I've been quarantined to long!!! LOL!
Why isn't anyone investigating this whole thing? What financial interest would a mining conglomerate have in buying just an old abandoned highway, only to dump loads of money into it to keep idiots off of it? It's likely that they own the whole town, minus the 5 residential properties still there.
Nice video, thanks. Those video drones are great pieces of equipment.
Gonna miss this place
Not from the area and never heard of it till your videos on it. It is very interesting though and thx for sharing.
They probably underestimate the amount of fill needed to bury the road!?? I think it's to late to save it! To many issues, I also doubt they are interested in making it a tourist attraction even charging a fee to many insurance issues! I don't think any insurance company will write a policy for a attraction in a town with a massive underground coal fire! 🔥.
Or they can have everyone sign a waiver removing themselves for having any liability.
I was there yesterday (May 12, 2020), and it was covered almost to the cemetery cutoff, right to the curve, so it's almost covered.
Did they spread the dirt out?
@@JPVideos81 Yup...it's across the road, now.
I guess we will see what happens, thanks for the update JP !
They may be closing it off because the insurance company the have wants them to
Thank you that's one of my points also
Yup that is definitely essential work. It is so important that they cover this up before covid is cleared up. Hope the property owners catch the virus.
Im proude to say that when u give good avice i take it. i stumbled across ur channel in the past before you did a few videos here in my little town. like you said here there are many places to see so why get into trubble. im obsest with coalmines hicking and trains. there may not be alot to do in shamokin but i can atleast check the library when it open to the public again. Im going to stay tuned. ur videos give me joy. have a wonderful day jp
So sad, I guess I'll have to scratch that off my to-do list 😢
Jay did you paint something at 1:52??? LOL
That was my thought.😂
Wish i was that talented.
Great video, i was there also recently on april 14th. ive never been and had to go before the place got completely destroyed! Its an incredible place sad to say that its getting destroyed!
Its sad, but not surprising with the actions of certain people.
I don't blame them not allowing the people on the road. Road could clapes no any time.big law suit any time if anything happens , plus they trash the place. Not cool
Thanks for documenting this! It is all so interesting to me!
Glad you enjoyed it
JP, that's something I'll never get to see in person. So sad, they're covering it! Really have enjoyed your videos on it. Will have to watch your 2016 video later.
Please another update soon!
That material looks like asphalt millings. And nothing will grow in that.
Wow idk shame they covering it you have the best idea
I am fairly local and didn't know about the bon fire. Thanks for the info. What I heard was that they couldn't control the amounts of people gathering during COVID so they thought it they did the dirt then no one would have interest. I did hear also that people are getting arrested for trespassing. Thanks again Jay.
Covid was the final straw, but not the main reason. Its not public game lands. There's a meetup here on the 19th. You should consider coming.
@@JPVideos81 didn't get to make it but would love to sometime.
Nice video, thanks for the update
All because of disrespectful individuals who can't seem to not destroy anything that's left abandoned. Truly sad.
I think it should be preserved. I would like to see it for myself. People being stupid is what ruined it. I think the idea of charging admission for walking tours is not and idea. It would help take care of the area. I always watch your videos. Thanks for the update. Be safe out there
I was trying to say not a bad idea for tours.
I am surprised. Maybe they are trying to smother the fire. Fascinating footage
It's not really going to stop anything. I can see one of two things happening, either people will start using it as a motocross spot, or people will just start painting on the trees instead, or both.
Unfortunately, because of all the visitors, trespassers, vandalism, along with the dangerous environment, they probably felt they had no choice but to bury it. How else to keep people out and safe? I don't have the answers, so we'll just need to accept it and stop going there.