MAY 17 | Great Crossings Bridge, Somerset County, PA

$100.00
sold out

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. Register by May 9th.

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. Register by May 9th.

 

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Great Crossing Inn
    884 Lake Side Rd, Addison, PA 15411

    Somerfield North Boat Ramp a few yards away

  • Somerfield North Boat Ramp - link

    Shore entry

    Surface kick to first bridge pier (~60 yards)

    Parking, proximity of benches to entry location unknown

  • 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

  • Somerset County

    • Somerfield

    Army Corps of Engineers

    There are no diving regulations for this location. DEP will default to PA State Park system guidelines.

  • 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

  • Water mobility and surface kicks

    Personal first aid kit

    Nearest Emergency Services:

    Nearest Hospital(s) 

  • Navigation

    DSMB & spool deployment

    Spool and reel work

    DPV

    Slate and measurement recording

    Drysuit practice

  • Collect seasonal diving date

    Water temp at 15, 30, 60 feet

    Approximate water vis at 15, 30, 60 feet in open water

    Record attractions

Need tanks and kit? Visit our partners for rental equipment.