Layton Bridge

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The Layton Bridge and Tunnel is one of those bridges you hold your breath while you cross it.  Single-lane tunnel - dark, no lights - followed by a one-lane rickety old bridge into a wooded curve where you are not sure if and where another vehicle may be.  It is a relic of an old railroad bridge converted to vehicular traffic, and it is soon going away.

The Layton Bridge and Tunnel is an over 125-year-old structure that connects Perryopolis to the Village of Layton and crosses the Youghiogheny River.  Originally, both were part of the Washington Run Railroad, a branch line of the Baltimore & Ohio that ran from Layton to Star Junction via Perryopolis.  It is the bridge that gets you to Linden Hall, and on dark nights, you hope the other cars have their lights on.

The unique Pratt-through truss, where the roadway runs through the middle of the truss structure, compared to most Pratt trusses, where the roadway runs along the bottom.  (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 1982.)

The railroad operated from 1899 to 1931.  After the Washington Run ceased operation, the bridge and tunnel were converted to automobile use and opened in 1933.  The Pratt-through truss bridge is 911 feet in length.  The bridge has a unique feature where the roadway runs through the truss structure.  The tunnel is 208 feet long, bored through rock and lined with brick.

Traffic lights were installed as a safety measure in 2024.  The one-lane tunnel and bridge can be anxiety-inducing for some drivers.

The Layton Bridge and Tunnel are on their last days.  In early 2026, construction began on a new replacement bridge to the south.  The new bridge, with an estimated construction cost of $56 million, will carry two lanes of traffic with a target opening date of November 2029.


In 1988, the Layton Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.  In its later years, the condition of the bridge's truss structure deteriorated significantly.  Frequent closings for maintenance and repairs occurred.  The state attempted to preserve the bridge or find a buyer; however, none have been found.

All photos taken by the post author - January 24, 2026, unless otherwise noted.

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