Life & Safety Upgrades
What are we doing?
What promises to ultimately be the Crown Jewel of the East Broad Top experience is the return of the 1920s-era shop complex to full operation. The most critical aspect of the shop complex restoration is installing a complete NFPA-compliant fire suppression system within all the shop buildings and the roundhouse. Due to the constraints imposed by the rural nature of the Rockhill Furnace community, there are significant issues arising out of the lack of an adequate and reliable water source, as well as a marginal electrical distribution system that has significantly inflated the cost to protect what are essentially 100+-year-old frame buildings.
Related Projects
- Rockhill Shop Complex Water System Upgrades
- Fire Suppression System Installation
- ADA Accessibility Improvements
- Life & Safety Upgrades
- Security System Installation
Fire Suppression
The anticipated influx of guests visiting the shop complex to experience the wonders of early 20th-century technology presents real challenges. One of those challenges is an effort to bring the shop complex into compliance with various Life Safety Codes that would allow public access to the 120-year-old wooden structures. Even though we have undertaken to sprinkler all the buildings in the shop complex, which will protect the physical property, we still have to protect the individual guests from the threat of fire while on the property. The introduction of emergency lighting, fire alarms, and directional signage needs to be accomplished in a sympathetic manner to not compromise the historic fabric of the buildings and the machinery
ADA Accessible
The East Broad Top Railroad is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors. While the historic nature of the railroad presents some challenges, ongoing efforts are made to enhance accessibility throughout the site. Designated accessible parking is available near key visitor areas, and ramp access is provided for the gift shop. The railroad also offers a specially equipped ADA-compliant car to accommodate wheelchair users during train excursions, allowing guests with mobility challenges to enjoy scenic train rides.