When the newly formed Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission purchased the South Pennsylvania Railroad alignment in 1937, the Turnpike considered using the Quemahoning Tunnel, but instead bypassed it.
The Laurel Hill Tunnel, which was also constructed by the railroad but used by the Pennsylvania Turnpike until its own bypassing in 1964, is located six miles to the west.
The Negro Mountain Tunnel, also bypassed by the Turnpike during the original construction, is located ten miles to the east.
As of 2019, it was planned to be daylighted as part of the expansion of the turnpike to six lanes.
[1] In 2022 the destruction of the tunnel was reported to have been completed in preparation of the widening of the Turnpike.