In 1917, the U.S. Steel opened Mine 31 in Lynch, Harlan County, Kentucky. In 1996 Arch Coal, the owner of the site then donated the property to Harlan County for public use. In 2009 the Southeast Education Foundation Inc., affiliated with Southeast Community College of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Kentucky Coal Museum opened their Portal 31 Exhibition Mine to the public.
Pitman Green, formerly part of ECSI< LLC has worked with museum and exhibit designers to transform a deactivated mine portal into a high-tech museum showcasing Kentucky’s coal mining heritage, from the days of picks and shovels to today’s modern equipment. Interactive lifecast figures tell visitors the story of Kentucky coal mining. While riding a specially built mantrip on light rail, simulated mining scenes demonstrate how working conditions improved as a result of technological innovations.
Portal 31 is part of a series of attractions designed to bring much-needed tourism dollars to this part of the state. The project team ensured the exhibit area was safe for visitors by designing a combination roof control plan that utilizes a high-strength fiber mesh/resin bolting system. Walls were stabilized with an experimental high-tensile sealant that binds the rock face. ECSI also designed a pump and drainage system, ventilation plans, and new mine seals.
The project was selected as one of the top 24 from 163 engineering projects entered from throughout the nation by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) as preeminent engineering achievements for 2009. Judging for the prestigious Engineering Excellence Awards (often referred to as the “Academy Awards” of engineering) took place in February, conducted by a distinguished panel of more than 30 engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media, and academia. Criteria for awards include uniqueness and originality, technical, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the projects in meeting goals.
Pitman Green continues to work with Harlan County managing the renovation of the Portal with Steve Gardner as Project Manager. See www.portal31.org for more information.