MAY 17 | Great Crossings Bridge, Somerset County, PA
The 207 year old, Great Crossings Bridge hides beneath the Youghiogheny River Lake Reservoir, occasionally flaunting its piers when the water level is lowered by the Army Corp of Engineers each winter. At 375 feet long and completed in 1818, the bridge’s construction was marvelous enough to warrant President James Monroe to attend its dedication. The bridge now sits in approximately 50 feet of water 100 yards from a permanent boat ramp.
The 207 year old, Great Crossings Bridge hides beneath the Youghiogheny River Lake Reservoir, occasionally flaunting its piers when the water level is lowered by the Army Corp of Engineers each winter. At 375 feet long and completed in 1818, the bridge’s construction was marvelous enough to warrant President James Monroe to attend its dedication. The bridge now sits in approximately 50 feet of water 100 yards from a permanent boat ramp.
The 207 year old, Great Crossings Bridge hides beneath the Youghiogheny River Lake Reservoir, occasionally flaunting its piers when the water level is lowered by the Army Corp of Engineers each winter. At 375 feet long and completed in 1818, the bridge’s construction was marvelous enough to warrant President James Monroe to attend its dedication. The bridge now sits in approximately 50 feet of water 100 yards from a permanent boat ramp.
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Approximate depth: 40’-60’
Approximate vis: Unknown
Approximate water Temp: 40°-55°
Current: Maybe slight (~1kn)
Hazards: boats, bridge structure, fishing line, moderate surface kick
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Historic bridge
Foundations of old structures - link
Fish Species - The Youghiogheny River Reservoir supports a diverse recreational fishery. Smallmouth bass fishing is excellent although largemouth bass are limited. The reservoir has a naturally reproducing walleye population that provoke interest from local fishing clubs which hold open tournaments throughout the year. The reservoir has the ability to produce trophy size fish such as crappie and northern pike. Other species include yellow perch, carp, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, brown bullhead, channel catfish, chain pickerel, hybrid striped bass, and alewife.
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Great Crossing Inn
884 Lake Side Rd, Addison, PA 15411Somerfield North Boat Ramp a few yards away
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Somerfield North Boat Ramp - link
Shore entry
Surface kick to first bridge pier (~60 yards)
Parking, proximity of benches to entry location unknown
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4-tank dive (low SAC rates may get away with 2 tanks)
Dive 1: Dive bottom of north side
Dive 2: Dive bottom of south side
Surface interval and lunch
Dive 3: Dive bridge deck north side
Dive 4: Dive bridge deck south side
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Somerset County
Somerfield
Army Corps of Engineers
There are no diving regulations for this location. DEP will default to PA State Park system guidelines.
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DEP organizes excursions for certified, autonomous divers. We do not provide equipment lists. We only provide recommendations for equipment that complements standard diving equipment.
DSMB required
Surface whistle required
Dive flag/float
Spool or reel
Metal detector
Subsurface prob
DPV
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Water mobility and surface kicks
Personal first aid kit
Nearest Emergency Services:
Addison Volunteer Fire Company
814-395-5719
Nearest Hospital(s)
Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center
29 miles, 36 minutes, due East
814-634-5911Uniontown Hospital- WVU Medicine
25 miles, 32 minutes, due West
724-430-5000
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Navigation
DSMB & spool deployment
Spool and reel work
DPV
Slate and measurement recording
Drysuit practice
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Collect seasonal diving date
Water temp at 15, 30, 60 feet
Approximate water vis at 15, 30, 60 feet in open water
Record attractions