The "bridge to far" -- the footpath span crossing the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Somerset, which links the northern and southern stretches of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail -- was dismantled last weekend.

During a routine inspection Dec. 17, workers from the Bureau of State Parks, which owns and maintains the the 40-year-old bridge between the turnpike's Donegal and Somerset exits, discovered structural weaknesses that a spokeswoman said could endanger hikers, snowmobilers and turnpike commuters. The bridge was closed and work crews began disassembling the span in January. Weather delays slowed the work and turnpike traffic was restricted or stopped several times.

"Safety always has been our top priority in addressing this bridge," said Bureau of State Parks director John W. Norbeck. "We remain cognizant of just how important its replacement is to so many outdoor enthusiasts in the Laurel Highlands."

The bridge was the only off-road connection linking popular sections of the Laurel Highlands. A key juncture in the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from Ohiopyle State Park to a point near Johnstown, it was part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trails system, an 830-mile network from the mouth of the Potomac River through the Allegheny Highlands. The trail attracts 80,000 to 100,000 hikers and other visitors each year.

Temporary loss of the bridge is expected to negatively impact tourism.

"Our bureau is working to accommodate some of the trail-user groups and remains committed to working closely with them," Norbeck said.

Engineers from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are working on a replacement plan for a larger, wider bridge spanning the turnpike. Construction bids are expected to be accepted early in 2011.

"The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail bridge that crosses the Pennsylvania Turnpike is closed due to structural deficiencies resulting in unsafe conditions," reads a DCNR Web page for Laurel Ridge State Park. "This closure applies to foot traffic as well as snowmobile traffic. This closure could impact your trip planning. Please contact the park directly for further information and assistance. 724-455-3744."

Or call Laurel Hill State Park Complex manager Mike Mumau at 814-445-7725.

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