The 944 Underpass

For several decades, the Appalachian Trail had crossed PA Route 944 near Deer Lane.  That road crossing, also known as Wertzville Road, had been identified as one of the most dangerous crossing on the entire A.T.  The crossing was at sort of a saddleback, with a rise in both directions, meaning that approaching cars could not see crossing hikers until the last moment, and vice versa.  

​For many years, Appalachian Trail Conservancy and CVATC had sought a solution to this problem.  Finally, in 2008, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) obtained funding to build an underpass for the A.T. under Wertzville Road.  Construction began in the summer of that year on a rerouted approach trail.  The actual underpass was constructed off site in precast concrete sections. 

The major work on the underpass took place over Labor Day weekend of 2008.  Route 944 was shut down and the precast sections were put in place with a crane.  After that, the new trail was completed and plantings were installed.  The work was completed by late October, and the new trail was opened.

The new underpass was dedicated in a ceremony at the site on December 6, 2008.  Participants included officials from CVATC; ATC; the National Park Service; the Pennsylvania Legislature; PennDOT; Hempt Brothers, the general contractor; and HRG, the engineering firm.