What happens when an important transportation system shuts down? Communities are often left to find a replacement. As railroads contracted in the first decades of the 20th century, small towns along Bennetts Branch lost their rail connection when the Pennsylvania Railroad shut down what was left of the Allegheny Valley Railroad. The editors of the Dubois Courier expressed their concern (18 August 1927) and remind us that the paved road (PA routes 255 and 555) we take for granted are a relatively recent development.

Driftwood road need is imperative. Curtailment of PRR service and approach of hunting season emphasize need

There has not been much said recently in regard to the efforts that are being put forth to secure favorable action by the highway department on the improvement of the Dubois to Driftwood road. Especial effort has been made during the past two months to secure the requisite approval of the department for the construction of the stretch existing at present between the end of the concrete at a point beyond Sabula and the improved road running out from Penfield towards Dubois.

It is felt that if this short stretch can be secured the remaining miles will come within the near future. At least the construction of this connecting link would afford considerable relief to the conditions as they exist at the present time. It would enable a large number of people to use an improved road in an endeavor to go somewhere.

This road is especially needed at the present time because of the fact that the Low Grade division of the Pennsylvania railroad has greatly curtailed its train service from the east, and the people of Bennetts Branch have no way of travel except by automobile. The present roads can be traveled during the summer time, at least for a greater part of the season, but with the coming of stormy, wet conditions, the entire section of the Bennetts Branch is going to be compelled to “winter up” and remain isolated until spring comes.

This is the great necessity that exists for favorable action on the proposed road immediately. The people of the Bennetts Branch section are entitled to consideration in the way of improved road, andin the oping of everyone who studied the situation, there should be no delay in granting them the relief to which they are justly entitled.

The people of Dubois are a unit on this road; they want to see it constructed, and they would like to see action of a favorable nature taken this fall, so that a start can be made on the actual construction work.

As previously pointed out, the Driftwood road runs through the greatest hunting section in the state of Pennsylvania. Annually thousands of hunters go to the deer country to the east of Dubois. They are compelled to use the present unimproved highway, and anyone who has ever been compelled to travel over this road in the fall is an ardent advocate of a hard surface highway for this section.

No effort will be spared in endeavoring to secure favorable action from the highway department for the construction of the connecting link between Sabula and Penfield.