The National Road: Maryland Line to Yough River Crossing
The National Road travels through and plays a large part in Southwestern Pennsylvania History.  Entering from Maryland at the State Line, a remnant of Pennsylvania's automobile past can be seen.  It is an old state line marker made of concrete and over 50 years old.  It is in not the best of conditions; however, it is still noticeable and somewhat intact.

As you head east on this historic highway, you will come across prior alignments of the original National Road and of US Route 40.  There is one such instance immediately after you enter Pennsylvania.  It is easily accessible since it is signed as 'Old Route 40.'  Another old alignment of the roadway is located in Addison.  This alignment leads to history as the Petersburg Toll House still stands.  The old alignment can easily be traced via the Pennsylvania Path of Progress signs.


The toll schedule at the Petersburg Toll House.

Traveling  west from Addison, you will cross the Youghiogheny River.  The river has been dammed and the result, Youghiogheny Lake, is a very popular recreational lake.  However, there is a past to this lake.  In 1942, the Yough was dammed as Yough Lake was formed.  The National Pike used to cross the river at a much lower elevation.  In fact, a town, Somerfield, once existed on the river's eastern shore.  The bridge was a stone-arch bridge which were found widespread on the original pike from the pioneer days.  The three arch span was the longest bridge constructed on the original road.


Historical Postcard showing the 'Big Crossings' bridge and Somerfield.  Image submitted by Vince Ferrari.

When the Yough was dammed, the river flooded Somerfield and the bridge. Traffic was already diverted onto a high-level bridge.  This bridge, although narrow and often in need of repair, still carries traffic on US 40 today.  However, many times when the water levels of the Yough Lake are extremely low, the old bridge and foundations of Somerfield can be seen.  On Thanksgiving Day, 2001, Vince Ferrari photographed the original 'Big Crossings' bridge.  It is amazingly intact.  Currently, construction for a new Yough River Bridge is taking place.  This bridge will replace the narrow 60 plus year old bridge and will be just north of the current crossing.  The new bridge should be open sometime in 2006.


A wide range view of the original Yough River 'Big Crossings' bridge.  Somerfield was along the right banks.


A close up of the sandstone bridge shows how amazingly excellent shape it is in after being underwater for over 50 years.



Continuing on the Trail:

  • Head East into Maryland
  • Head West Towards Uniontown
  • National Road Photo Essay Index

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    Site Navigation, Links, & Sources:

  • US 40 @ PAHighways.com ---Jeff Kitsko
  • Route 40 Net ---Frank Bursca
  • Youghiogheny Lake River Bridge Replacement Project
  • The SWPA Roads Project
  • Vince Ferrari

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    Page Created: April 1, 2002
    Last Updated: October 31, 2004

    (C) 2002-04 William Lawson