The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced it was limiting access to the Grand Crossing Bridge over the Youghiogheny River Lake due to stability concerns.

CONFLUENCE, Pa. – A historic bridge built more than 200 years ago in the southwest Pennsylvania It was closed to the public after officials said they could not guarantee the stability of the structure.

Originally built in honor of President George Washington, the Great Crossing Bridge is usually located about 50 feet below the Youghiogheny River Lake but was exposed in early fall due to a significant drought.

According to local people, the stone bridge last rose above the water level in 2019.

It is located approximately 70 miles southeast of the bridge. pittsburghIt has become a tourist attraction attracting thousands of visitors.

“The district understands the excitement created by this rare opportunity to see a piece of history that rarely comes out of the lake,” said Col. Nicholas Melin, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Pittsburgh District. “However, the safety of our visitors is our priority. Given the uncertain structural integrity of the bridge, we have made the decision to restrict access to the bridge.”

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The US Army Corps of Engineers said: does not maintain the bridge and therefore cannot guarantee its integrity.

Recent photos and videos from the lake show people walking on the exposed stone bridge and searching for artifacts revealed by low water levels.

In addition to structural concerns, experts warn that cold water temperatures pose a risk of hypothermia for anyone who accidentally enters the lake.

“Thousands of people came to visit the bridge, and their response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Vince Klinkner, supervising natural resources manager for the Youghiogheny River Lake. “Our primary concern is the welfare of the public and we want to ensure visitors continue to have a great experience when they visit the lake.”

The amount of exposure of the bridge is not considered unprecedented by local people. drought Even more of the historical structure from the 1950s and 1960s was uncovered.

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Drought conditions range from moderate to severe across much of the southwestern part of the Commonwealth at last observer.

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Low water levels in waterways such as the Allegheny, Youghiogheny and Ohio rivers have also caused underwater objects to become visible and dangerous to boaters.

Engineers believe water levels along the Youghiogheny River Lake will soon begin to recover; because stronger frontal boundaries, increased humidity in late autumn and winter.

Low water levels also reportedly exposed parts of structures in the town of Somerfield that were abandoned in the early 1940s due to a federal flood control program.