Massive crowds bring long wait times to Steamtown 'Big Boy' event

The highly anticipated "Big Boy Reunion" at the Steamtown National Historic Site is drawing some of the largest crowds in Scranton’s history, triggering extensive delays for thousands of eager railfans.

Park officials issued a pedestrian advisory warning that wait lines to get up close to the historic locomotives peaked at more than three hours. Thousands of visitors have continued to stream into the park, prompting authorities to urge families and attendees to plan for extended outdoor exposure, long periods of standing, and heavy foot traffic.

The record-breaking turnout coincides with the final official "Public Display Day" for Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014. The locomotive is being showcased side-by-side with Steamtown’s static Big Boy No. 4012, marking a rare, once-in-a-lifetime reunion of the two steel giants to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

While up-close viewing queues remain congested, the park will enter an extended exhibit phase starting tomorrow through June 30. During that period, the locomotives will remain visible at a distance while Union Pacific crews complete standard servicing and maintenance. Advance timed-entry tickets remain strictly required for all dates through the end of the month, and no walk-up entry is permitted. To check ticket availability or review safety guidelines, visit nps.gov.

Scranton Police Department Traffic & Parking Advisory

To manage the unprecedented volume of vehicles entering downtown Scranton today, the Scranton Police Department has issued a comprehensive traffic and parking advisory:

• Street Closures & Gridlock: Heavy congestion is expected throughout downtown, particularly around Lackawanna Avenue and Cliff Street. Motorists are advised to avoid these areas entirely unless they hold a valid event reservation.
• No Event Parking at Steamtown: There is zero general visitor parking allowed inside the Steamtown NHS lot today. Only limited handicap-accessible parking is permitted past the gate via the 350 Cliff Street entrance for vehicles with clearly displayed placards.
• Satellite Shuttle Parking: Visitors are strongly encouraged to park at designated free satellite lots where complimentary COLTS shuttle service will run continuously until 6:00 p.m. These lots are located at Scranton High School (63 Mike Munchak Way), West Scranton High School (1201 Luzerne St.), and PNC Field (235 Montage Mountain Rd.).
• Pedestrian Routing: All ticket-holding pedestrians must access the event gates by utilizing the designated footpaths located directly behind the Lackawanna Transit Center at 30 Lackawanna Avenue. Please prepare for uneven walking surfaces and active railroad track crossings.

Temporary Marketplace at Steamtown Turn Restrictions

Due to the surge in traffic surrounding the event, the Scranton Police Department is implementing immediate, mandatory traffic restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the neighboring mall property on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

To prioritize pedestrian safety and mitigate gridlock, left turns are strictly prohibited at the Marketplace at Steamtown parking garages. The restriction applies to all motorists regardless of which specific garage entrance or exit is being utilized:

• No left turns into the Marketplace at Steamtown parking garages.
• No left turns when exiting the Marketplace at Steamtown parking garages.

Drivers traveling through downtown Scranton should expect significant delays, plan alternate routes that rely entirely on right-hand turns to access the garages, and allow substantial extra travel time.