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Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad: Serving Johnstown Since 1923

Published: January 10, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad (C&BL) is a fascinating piece of American railroad history, nestled in the industrial heartlands of Pennsylvania.

Established at the zenith of the railway expansion era during the early 1920s, the C&BL was formed by Bethlehem Steel to serve its Johnstown Works mills. 

During this time the railroad served as a vital conduit for freight and resources in the region, contributing significantly to local economic and industrial growth.

While the steel mills closed in 1992 the C&BL continues to survive and operate as a freight carrier, serving the city's remaining industries.

Conemaugh and Black Lick SW7 #104 rolls into Johnstown on its way to the small yard on May 29, 2019. Jon Wright photo.

Historical Background

The Conemaugh and Black Lick Railroad, officially incorporated on December 31, 1923, was a Bethlehem Steel property designed specifically to handle serve its Johnstown Works mill, auxiliary properties, and interchange with the town's two primary railroads - the Baltimore & Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Bethlehem Steel operated several of its own industrial short lines to serve its many steel mills - along with the C&BL these included the Patapsco & Back Rivers Railroad Company (Sparrows Point, MD); Philadelphia, Bethlehem & New England Railroad (Bethlehem, PA); South Buffalo Railway (Lackawanna, NY); and Steelton & Highspire Railroad (Steelton, PA).

Geographical and Industrial Importance

The C&BL traversed a number of industrial sites, notably steel, reflecting the area's robust manufacturing backdrop.

It derived its name from the Conemaugh River, which snakes through the region, and Black Lick Creek, a tributary. In its heyday, the C&BL stretched through a network that interlinked a series of industries, playing a pivotal role in their supply chains and ensuring an uninterrupted flow of raw materials and finished goods.

In its original form the railroad operated three divisions; Western, Northern, and Hinckston.  Due to the railroad's unique design it owned 2.1 miles of main track, 0.6 mile of yards and sidings, and overall maintained 8 main tracks.

The segments comprising the Western and Northern divisions, along with the southern part of the Hinckston division, were owned by the Cambria Iron Company and  subleased to Bethlehem Steel.

This region of Pennsylvania, particularly the city of Johnstown, was historically dominated by the steel industry. The presence of the Conemaugh & Black Lick facilitated the seamless transportation of heavy loads crucial to these operations, and finished steel products, propelling the economic dynamism of the area.

The C&BL listing the Official Guide from 1940. American-Rails.com collection.

Operations

As a short line railroad, the C&BL was distinct from larger national rail systems due to its focused geographical reach and specialized service. It functioned primarily as a feeder line, linking larger railroads with local industrial sites, effectively acting as a middleman that enhanced logistical efficiencies. The CBL's operations were characterized by their adaptability and focus on serving local needs, which rendered it indispensable to the industries it supported.

Through much of the 20th century, the railroad adapted to various technological changes and operational demands, ensuring it continued to function as a reliable service provider for local businesses. Its equipment and track infrastructure were gradually updated, although it maintained a characteristically flexible and regional operational scope.

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