The monumental Union Pacific No. 4014, known as the “Big Boy,” is set to create a buzz in Northeastern Pennsylvania this weekend. Expected to draw vast crowds, this colossal steam locomotive will be making a notable stop in Scranton, sparking excitement among train enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
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● WVIA News will bring you special up-close coverage of Big Boy’s arrival in Pennsylvania on Friday, June 12.
● We invite readers to send us their photos of Big Boy as it passes through the region on June 13 and 14. Please email them to Roger DuPuis: rogerdupuis@wvia.org.
● We will have coverage from Steamtown on Monday, June 15.
The Big Boy No. 4014, the largest operational steam locomotive, is scheduled for a visit at Steamtown National Historic Site, where it will be displayed alongside No. 4012, a long-standing exhibit. This event is a significant highlight of the America 250 tour, which has been attracting large audiences nationwide.
Key Dates and Locations for Big Boy’s Tour
According to the official Union Pacific schedule, the locomotive is set to make several stops in and around Northeastern Pennsylvania:
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
● Sayre, Pa. — No public access. Departs 9 a.m.
● Owego, N.Y. — 53 Depot St. Arrives 10:45 a.m., departs 11:15 a.m.
● Binghamton, N.Y. — No public access. (Private Norfolk Southern employee event)
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
● Binghamton, N.Y. — No public access. Depart 7:30 a.m.
● Nicholson, Pa. — Passing over Tunkhannock Creek Viaduct, 10 a.m.
SUNDAY, JUNE 14
● Nesquehoning, Pa. — No public access. Departs 10 a.m. for sold-out Union Pacific Museum Passenger Special to Pittston.
MONDAY, JUNE 15 – TUESDAY, JUNE 16
● Scranton, Pa. — Ticketed viewing at Steamtown National Historic Site, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 – TUESDAY, JUNE 30
● Scranton, Pa. — Ticketed viewing at Steamtown National Historic Site during park hours while the locomotive undergoes maintenance at Steamtown.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
● Scranton, Pa. — No public access. Departs 9 a.m.
THURSDAY, JULY 2
● Jim Thorpe, Pa. — No public access. Depart 9 a.m.
● Reading, Pa. — Reading & Northern Outer Station, 1:30-2:15 p.m.
● Pottstown, Pa. — 51 South Hanover St., 3:30-3:45 p.m.
Accessing Steamtown
Steamtown National Historic Site will host ticketed viewings from June 15 to June 30, as the locomotive undergoes maintenance. For reservation details, visit this page.
Visitors should note that Steamtown will remain closed on June 14 for preparations, reopening daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the end of the month. Entry is available 30 minutes before or after reserved times, with access through pedestrian gates behind the Lackawanna Transit Center.
Parking and Transportation Options
To accommodate the influx of visitors, several parking options are available:
● Free parking with shuttle service is offered at:
— Scranton High School, 63 Mike Munchak Way
— West Scranton High School, 1201 Luzerne St.
— PNC Field at 235 Montage Mountain Road
Shuttles run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with pick-up points at Franklin Avenue for high schools and in front of the Marketplace at Steamtown for PNC Field. Drop-offs will occur on Mifflin Avenue.
● Paid parking is accessible at various downtown locations, including metered street parking and garages:
— Marketplace at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Ave.
— Adams and Mulberry Garage, 425 Adams Ave.
— Casey Garage, 101 Adams Avenue
— Connell Garage, 117 N. Washington Ave.
— Electric City Garage, 300 Biden St.
— Forum Garage, 230 Franklin Ave.
— Jefferson Street parking lot, 321 Jefferson Ave. (cash only)
— Linden Street Garage, 417 Linden St.
— Medallion Garage, 140 Adams Ave.
For more parking details, visit scrantonpaparking.com.
● Accessible parking: Handicap-accessible parking is limited to designated areas at Steamtown. Entry is via 350 Cliff St., and placards must be visible. The site is wheelchair accessible.
● Public transportation: Buses from COLTS and LCTA stop at the Lackawanna Transit Center, adjacent to Steamtown’s entrance.
● Limited public parking will be available on-site from June 17-30.
Traffic and Safety Measures
To manage traffic flow, city and state officials will place advisory signs on Interstate 81, alerting motorists to possible delays. Efforts are also being made to coordinate with ongoing street projects to reduce traffic congestion.
Railroad and law enforcement authorities emphasize the importance of safety, warning against trespassing on railroad properties. “In the interest of safety, and in an effort to provide an excellent overall experience, the employees and management of the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad would like to remind everyone that there is a ‘0 tolerance’ policy for trespassing on railroad property at all times, and especially during this event,” the railroad’s parent company said.
Union Pacific has also issued safety tips for enthusiasts along the route:
● Keep a distance of at least 25 feet from tracks and drone flying areas.
● Avoid all railroad property such as tracks, trestles, and yards.
● Assume all tracks are active and expect trains at any time.
● Do not attempt to pace the train by car.
● Be cautious of the environment, as the Big Boy will be in a working rail setting with uneven surfaces.
Additional guidelines and safety measures have been issued by the Reading & Northern Railroad for their hosting of the Big Boy.
