Location(s)

            The level between the Staple Bend Tunnel and the foot of Plane 2 on the Allegheny Portage Railroad (APRR) was known as the Long Level.  At about 17 miles, it was by far the longest of the eleven levels of the APRR.  The APRR crossed the Little Conemaugh and other streams along this level, and three of the railroad’s four viaducts were here.  The Horse Shoe Bend, or Conemaugh, Viaduct spanned the Little Conemaugh River below the South Fork Dam.  It was the largest of the APRR’s viaducts, and it was popularly known as the “Large Viaduct.”  The bridge was one of the casualties of the great Johnstown Flood; it stood until May 1889 when it was destroyed by the failure of the South Fork Dam and the resulting flood that also destroyed the city of Johnstown.

            A service area developed near Croyle’s Mill, near the midpoint of the Long Level and not far from the modern village of Summerhill.  The state built a water station, wood shed, and siding there.

            Between Summerhill and Wilmore (known as “Jefferson” in the 19^th century), the APRR crossed the Ebensburg Branch and the Mountain Branch of the Little Conemaugh River.  Two stone arch viaducts were constructed at these locations.  It is not clear when these structures were removed or destroyed, but they may have been damaged during the extensive flooding of May 1889.  Today, most of the Long Level is privately owned or highway right-of-way.