freedom road travel

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Weekend Travel Restrictions on PA Turnpike Between Cranberry and New Castle Exits

Traffic paces and overnight closure needed for Freedom Road Bridge Replacement Project.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is alerting motorists that two nights of traffic restrictions are needed this weekend between the Cranberry, Exit 28, and New Castle, Exit 10, interchanges for bridge work at Freedom Road which carries traffic over the PA Turnpike at milepost 28 in Cranberry Township, Butler County.

Starting at 11:55 p.m. on Oct. 30, traffic paces will occur eastbound between the Beaver Valley Interchange, Exit 13, and Cranberry Interchange lasting until 5 a.m. on Oct 31. During this time, a series of paces, no longer than 20-minutes each, will occur while crews erect bridge beams.

During the paces, PA State Police and Turnpike maintenance crews will restrict eastbound Turnpike traffic to a speed of 20-25 miles an hour. Motorists in the area should be prepared for slow-moving traffic and possible intermittent stoppages.

Then, on Oct. 31 starting at 11:55 p.m., the PA Turnpike will be closed westbound between the Cranberry Interchange and the New Castle Interchange until 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 1.  This overnight closure is needed to allow crews to safely erect bridge beams over the westbound lanes.

Exiting westbound traffic should follow this suggested, PennDOT-approved detour:

Exit Cranberry Interchange (Exit 28)

Take I-79 north to State Route 422 west to I-376 (toll road) east To reenter the Turnpike at the New Castle Interchange (Exit 10)

During the closure, motorists can enter the Turnpike going westbound at the Beaver Valley Interchange, but drivers are asked to use the suggested detour to limit heavy congestion on local roads. Eastbound traffic will not be affected during this closure. 

This work is part of the replacement of the overhead bridge which carries Freedom Road (State Route 3020) over the PA Turnpike. This is a PennDOT District 10 project but is funded by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission using toll dollars. For more information on this project visit: Freedom Road Bridge Replacement Project .

To report an accident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions, use one of these resources:

ON THE TURNPIKE

• 511PA Smartphone App : Real-time, hands-free PA traffic advisories.
• Waze Smartphone App: Real-time alerts from other drivers.
• Digital Message Signs: More than 100 boards along the Turnpike.
• Turnpike Travel Conditions Map : Live, interactive map.
• 511: Dial from any PA roadway for local travel information.
• 800-331-3414 : PA Turnpike Customer Assistance (weekdays,  8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ).

CONTACT: Renee Vid Colborn Phone: 724-755-5260

Two major Beaver County road projects begin this week

PennDOT has announced two significant road projects will begin this week in Beaver County.

Freedom-Crider Road

Freedom-Crider Road will close to through traffic between Route 989 and Park Quarry Road wclyNHpcontinuously through mid-August. Only local traffic will be permitted on the closed section of Freedom-Crider Road. All other traffic will be detoured.

The posted detour is as follows

West of the closure

• From Freedom-Crider Road, take Crows Run Road westbound
• Turn left onto southbound Route 65
• Turn left onto 11th Street
• 11th Street becomes Seventh Avenue
• Seventh becomes 13th Street
• 13th becomes Conway-Wallrose Road
• Turn left onto Route 989
• Follow Route 989 back to Freedom-Crider Road

East of the closure

• Same detour in the opposite direction

Work in this phase includes the realignment of Freedom-Crider Road, excavation, box culvert installation and the reconstruction of the Freedom-Crider/Wolf Run roads intersection.

The work is part of the final phase of the Freedom Road Upgrade project which began in November 2021 and will cover several construction seasons, ending in the fall of 2024. The $21.75 million project located between Park Quarry Road and Route 989 includes realignment of the roadway, culvert replacements, roadway reconstruction and widening, new shoulders, guardrail updates, drainage improvements, additional turn-lanes, a roundabout installation and utility relocations. Motorists will see detours, single-lane restrictions, lane narrowing, and alternating traffic during different stages of construction.

Wallace Run Road

Road improvement work also begins Monday on Route 551, Wallace Run Road, in Chippewa and Patterson townships and the City of Beaver Falls.

Single-lane alternating traffic restrictions will occur on Route 551 between Shenango Road in Chippewa and Fourth Avenue in Beaver Falls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through mid-June. Flaggers will assist motorists through the work zone.

Improvement work includes milling and paving, and base repairs. The prime contractor is Lindy Paving on this group paving project.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

What to Expect

General overview.

The Freedom Road Rally is a touring event that provides its entrants with the opportunity to relive the fun and adventure of the classic American road trip. Along with other vintage car enthusiasts you’ll travel to a great destination and enjoy all the best there is to offer with all the planning done for you.

Prior To The Event

After you mail in your entry form you will receive an acknowledgement by mail that we received your registration materials and your space is reserved. Two weeks prior to the event you will receive a Welcome Packet with an overview of the itinerary, list of hotels, directions to the start/end point and other important information about preparing for the trip.

Most people arrive on Saturday prior to the Sunday start date. When you arrive there will be a check-in table set up at the hotel. Front desk personnel will be able to direct you to check-in. At check-in F.R.R. staff will greet you and give you your name badges, polo shirts and other event souvenirs. Event staff will assist with moving tow rigs to the storage area. On Saturday evening, there is an orientation meeting for first timers followed by a welcome meeting for everyone. Maps, Day 1 Driving Directions and other materials will be handed out at the meetings. Please let us know if you do not plan to arrive on Saturday.

The hotel nights included in the trip are Sunday through Thursday. We strongly recommend attending the Saturday meetings. For those who do not live local to the start/end point, Saturday night rooms will be available at a special discounted rate. Information about reserving one of these rooms will be included in your Welcome Packet. The rally staff inspects all hotels weeks ahead of time, prior to contracting them for night stops. Our stringent quality requirements are one of the reasons that our long-time participants return year after year with confidence.

Heading Out On Sunday

Sunday departure is scheduled for late morning to allow time for the completion of safety inspections and for those who wish to attend church services to do so. A list of local churches will be provided.

Each day starts after breakfast with a morning driver’s meeting. Participants will be provided with the day’s driving directions, maps, etc. Directions are in a list form with distances following each instruction. The directions will also indicate suggested locations for lunch stops. There will be an average of 3-4 hours of driving each day with stops throughout the day. Participants are encouraged to drive the route at their own pace and spend as much time as they like at stops. There will be some days that guided tours have been arranged at specific times. Special instructions will be given to help make those appointments. Although maps are provided to the participants during the event, the directions should be followed at all times. The rescue vehicle will follow the given route. During the day we will stop at various attractions. Every trip includes museums, such as car and other transportation museums as well as local history. Other favorites are factory tours, mansions and gardens, unique shopping areas, historical sites and local points of interest.

Break Down/Mechanical Issues

The event provides complimentary sweep vehicle trailering services. A rescue truck will follow the tour in the unfortunate event of a mechanical problem. Event management will assist in resolving the issue, locating parts, etc. Disabled vehicles will ride on the trailer until the problem is resolved.

Victory Dinner

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How To Apply: To see if you qualify for this special transportation reimbursement program for Michigan Residents, fill out the form below and click submit to send the application request form. A Freedom Road Transportation analyst will contact you for a phone interview.

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Your Message

More Information: Find out if you qualify for this special transportation reimbursement program for Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw County Michigan Residents.

Fill in the requested information and click submit, or call us at (248) 232-1259 to start your application process.

If You Qualify:

After you have completed the necessary application procedures, and it is determined you are eligible for assistance, you will receive mileage reimbursement for your driver(s). Arrangements for travel are made between you and your volunteer driver, as mutually convenient. Records of travel are sent to Freedom Road Transportation each month to validate your completed travel.

Freedom Road’s Volunteer Driver Program is that simple. It is very user friendly and convenient.

Freedom, PA Traffic and Road Conditions

Freedom traffic map.

How to use the Freedom Traffic Map Traffic flow lines : Red/White dashed lines = Closed Road, Grey/White dashed lines = Road Work, Red lines = Heavy traffic flow, Yellow/Orange lines = Medium flow and Green = normal traffic. Black lines or No traffic flow lines could indicate a closed road, but in most cases it means that either there is not enough vehicle flow to register or traffic isn't monitored. Also, If you do not see traffic flow, you can zoom in closer to reveal localized data. If you are unable to pan the map, press here (to focus off of the map) and try again. Traffic Incidents (beta) : Each image represents traffic event or incident such as road construction, closure (red circle with a white dash) or accident.

Traffic Alert

• Click or touch the map to move in different directions.
• If you do not see any markers on the map, try zooming in one or two levels using "+" on the top left side. However, they are not always available.
• Click an incident icon on the map to get more information.

Freedom Traffic Alerts

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Traffic & Transit

Cranberry, penndot to unveil next freedom road corridor project, the widening of freedom road will continue over the next few years..

Eric Heyl , Patch Staff

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Township, Butler County and PennDOT officials will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday to unveil the next phase of work in the Freedom Road corridor. The event will occur in the rear lot of the CVS at 1181 Freedom Road.

There are two phases to the project, which involves widening Freedom Road to five lanes (two east lanes, two west and a center turn lane.

The first phase, known as BUILD 1, was completed earlier this year from Commonwealth Drive to Haine School Road. The second phase, called BUILD 2, currently is under design and will run from Haine School to Powell Road. According to PennDOT's website, the actual BUILD 2 road widening will occur in 2024 and 2025.

Find out what's happening in Cranberry with free, real-time updates from Patch.

In total, the Route 228 and Freedom Road corridors will see more than $62 million worth of work in the coming years, township officials said.

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Freedom road spotlights the many hues of st. augustine history.

By Amy Wimmer Schwarb

A St. Augustine company is trying to reshape the American story – not to rewrite history, but to retell it. Derek Hankerson, the man at the helm of Freedom Road , grew up in suburban Washington, D.C., learning the same tales of America’s birthplace that are told in children’s textbooks throughout the United States. But he often visited relatives in St. Augustine  and could never reconcile the history he found there with what he learned in school. "The sign in St. Augustine said, ‘Established in 1565,’ and then I go back to school, and I don’t see a thing about Florida. I don’t see a thing about blacks,” Hankerson said. "All I see is 1776.”

Hankerson spotted that disparity when he was about 10 years old, and announced to his family that he planned to correct it. He wanted to help educate people not only about Spanish Florida, but about the diverse groups who contributed to the country’s founding. Today, Hankerson is the managing partner of Freedom Road, which offers in-depth bus tours of northeast Florida that give visitors insight into an early American story that might be new to many of them. "Our tours deal with five centuries of history,” Hankerson said. "This is history related to the New World. I say ‘the New World’ because that’s different than the United States of America. We’re talking pre-United States of America.” The company offers a diverse array of services, such as producing documentaries, designing museum displays and planning conferences that highlight that history. But visitors can best tap into this knowledge through the tours, which include busloads of 30 or 40 people and cost $600 per group for a four-hour tour. A six-hour tour is $800. The Freedom Road tours particularly appeal to family groups or large tour groups of African-American visitors.

"When people leave here who’ve had tours with us,” Hankerson said, "they are so inspired, and they say they had no idea so much history existed in Florida. They especially did not know that there would be so much history related to them.” The Freedom Road tour spotlights some of the St. Augustine area’s most critical historical sites. Hankerson emphasizes that these sites are not simply important to African-American and Native American history; they were important to the New World, and those traditionally marginalized groups were paramount to their success. Among them is Fort Mose (Mo-ZAY), just two miles north of St. Augustine, recognized as the first community of freed blacks in the United States and the home of a black militia that helped protect St. Augustine from invaders; and the Fountain of Youth , built as a Florida roadside attraction but now an archaeological site that is believed to be the original site of a Timucuan Indian village where Native Americans offered refuge to Spanish explorers. James Bullock, the creative director for Freedom Road, is typically the guide for the tours. Dressed in period costume, he walks guests through how different cultures – Spanish, African, Native American, German, Irish, Greek – made their lives in the New World. "When the people who visit hear these words, in this place, told by a professional interpreter,” Bullock said, "they can see it, touch it, feel it. A person will come away from this place with a better understanding of different cultures and how America became.” And Bullock and Hankerson stress that while much of U.S. history has focused on the separation of races, Spanish Florida brought a different culture to the New World. Even the geography of the Old World played a role: Only 11 miles separate Spain from Africa at their closest point, so trade, relationships and inter-marrying were common even before the groups came across the Atlantic. "Our story, the story about 500 years of Spanish history, is all-inclusive,” Hankerson said. "This isn’t a black-and-white story; it’s a gray story. All of it came out of the Southeast region of the United States, with St. Augustine at the epicenter. Not Plymouth Rock, not Jamestown – St. Augustine was the epicenter, and has been ever since.”

Other ways to explore St. Augustine's cultural history

Walk this way

Each Saturday throughout the year   St. Augustine Black Heritage Tours Inc.  offers a free historic walking tour at 4 p.m. Learn about St. Augustine's black history and events leading up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Tours depart from the Tour Saint Augustine headquarters and last about an hour. Space is limited and advance reservations are required. 

A self-guided audio tour produced by The ACCORD Freedom Trail Project  consists of 31 historic markers located at various sites significant to the St. Augustine civil rights movement. This tour offers visitors a unique way to tour the city at their own pace.

Learn more about the city’s rich history by visiting the Civil Rights Library of St. Augustine online at civilrights.flagler.edu . Learn from historical materials documenting race relations from the 1960s. In partnership with Flagler College, the community and the Andrew Young Foundation, the library features historic interviews documents and photographs.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

St. Augustine

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Road to Freedom

Road to Freedom is a Railroad main quest in  Fallout 4 .

• 1 Quick walkthrough
• 2 Detailed walkthrough
• 3 Quest stages
• 4 Companion reactions
• 6 Behind the scenes

Quick walkthrough [ ]

Detailed walkthrough [ ].

There are multiple places to acquire this quest, specifically in Diamond City and Goodneighbor . It can be acquired from listening to the Join the Railroad holotape that can be found lying around, overhearing a conversation between two residents of Diamond City near Valentine Detective Agency , talking to Diamond City security inside Diamond City, or by speaking to NPCs who mention the Railroad over the course of the main story (such as Piper and Amari ). Any of these actions will trigger the objective to 'Follow the Freedom Trail ' to be added to the Pip-Boy, proceed to Boston Common to find the beginning of the trail. Talking to the Tour bot will provide additional information.

Follow the distinctive red trail of bricks in the ground from location to location. The red line on the ground is largely unbroken but there are a few stretches that are obscured by debris. In these places, the trail is "improvised" using trails of red paint across the street or along with the wreckage of buses and walls. The trail will take the Sole Survivor past several Bostonian landmarks and historical sites, each with a "Freedom Trail" seal outside in the sidewalk, with a letter circled and a number added in red paint. The first seal ("7A") is at Boston Common right near the Tour bot. The second seal ("4L") is in front of the Massachusetts State House . The third seal ("2A") is at the entrance to the Old Granary burying ground . The fourth seal ("6O") is near the entrance to Goodneighbor (the Old State House from pre-War Boston's perspective). The fifth seal ("3I") is in front of the Old Corner Bookstore . The sixth seal ("5R") is at Faneuil Hall . The seventh seal ("8D") can be found in front of the Paul Revere House . The eighth and final seal ("1R") can be found at the Old North Church , the end of the trail. Following the Freedom Trail isn't mandatory, the Sole Survivor can travel directly to the Old North Church if they already know its location.

Inside the Old North Church, kill a handful of ghouls and follow the lantern painting to find a way down into the catacombs. At the end of the catacombs, there's another Freedom Trail marker with a ring that spins, similar in appearance to the eight seals on the trail. Rotate the outer wheel clockwise and counterclockwise to align the letters with the arrow and press in the center to input the letter. Spell the word "RAILROAD" one letter at a time to open the secret door. The word must be spelled without mistakes. If any mistakes are made, the word must be restarted from the beginning.

Once the door opens and is entered, a blinding spotlight will be shone at the Sole Survivor as they are confronted by the leader of the Railroad, Desdemona , and two Railroad agents, Glory and Drummer Boy , who have their guns readied. Speak with Desdemona - the conversation options will have no effect on the Sole Survivor's future relationship with the Railroad. Eventually, Deacon will enter and vouch for the Sole Survivor, listing two of their major accomplishments in the Commonwealth. Desdemona will ask some further questions including why the Sole Survivor has come to the Railroad, if they know what a synth is, and most importantly if the Sole Survivor would risk their life to save them from their plight.

After all the conversations with Desdemona are done, the quest completes and Tradecraft starts immediately. Hence, to avoid completing this quest and starting Tradecraft, avoid the final conversation with Desdemona. For example, it is possible when contacting the Railroad purely to decode the courser chip, to return to Virgil to obtain the signal interceptor plans without fully completing this quest.

Quest stages [ ]

Companion reactions [ ].

Companions react to three dialogues with Desdemona: When she asks why you have sought out the Railroad (only when selecting "Fight Institute," the other choices lead to no reactions and is not available if coming to the Railroad with the Courser chip ); when she explains how the Institute treats synths ("as tools"); and ultimately, if you would risk your life to save a synth.

• Entering the Institute during the quest The Molecular Level will fail this quest if not completed first. This results in Desdemona denying the Sole Survivor initiation into the Railroad on suspicion they are now working with the Institute.
• It is possible to complete the quest without picking it up in Diamond City or Goodneighbor by just going to the Old North Church first. The quest will act normally after inputting the password, albeit with alternative dialogue. Once the conversation ends, the quest is completed without having to be assigned.
• Prior to completing this quest, one can find Deacon disguised in various places throughout the Commonwealth. Examples of this include the Memory Den in Goodneighbor, as a guard in Diamond City, or as a caravan worker in Bunker Hill .
• It is possible to kill any of the named Railroad members before they turn on the light. Doing this will result in quest failure and will flag the Sole Survivor as an enemy of the Railroad.
• When answering Desdemona's question whether the Sole Survivor is willing to risk their own life to save a synth positively, the Survivor will respond with different lines depending on their gender, with the male Survivor mentioning the Oath of Enlistment he made when joining the United States Armed Forces before the Great War .
• If the Sole Survivor leaves while answering Desdemona's question, the Railroad will go hostile.
• If Kellogg is dead but Reunions has not been turned in, Deacon will not mention his death.
• If the Sole Survivor hasn't completed any event that can be cited by Deacon, Deacon will still vouch for the Survivor, saying that the Survivor is either smart or tough enough to have made it to the secret door, that the Railroad need friends more than ever, and that he has a really good feeling about the Survivor.
• If the Sole Survivor encounters the Railroad after having finished Hunter/Hunted , the entire conversation between Deacon and Desdemona will revolve around the Sole Survivor having killed a courser instead, without any reference to previous deeds whatsoever. In this case, Desdemona will allow the Sole Survivor right away into the Railroad HQ. However, she will then go back outside along with Deacon and the other agents and wait there to complete the conversation and start Tradecraft . This may be confusing as the player might expect to find them inside the HQ after having been allowed to enter.

Behind the scenes [ ]

The Freedom Trail, including the red (both painted and brick) paths and the embedded seals, are based on the real-world Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts.

• They are not susceptible to the Intimidation perk.

Gallery [ ]

• 1 Securitron
• 2 Vault-Tec bobblehead (Fallout 4)
• 3 Fallout 4 perks

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New Plans For Freedom Road Construction Revealed

PennDOT is revealing their plans for improving traffic flow on Freedom Road in Cranberry Township.

The Freedom Road Improvement Project will span from just west of Powell Road to Haine School Road and is part of the Route 228 Gateway Project.

The work will include sidewalks, bike lanes, and two travel lanes in addition to a center left-turn lane. The Project team will conduct studies to accomplish the goal of improved access, mobility, and safety.

Due to health concerns, the plans will be displayed online only on PennDOT’s website through March 31st. PennDOT representatives and design consultants will be available to answer questions.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2023.

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Highway Chronicles: The Unseen Battles of Road Trips

T he open road! There’s something undeniably magnetic about the concept of a road trip. It evokes images of endless highways stretching towards the horizon, the thrill of discovering new places, and the freedom to go wherever the road takes us. However, beneath the romanticized veneer of road tripping, there lies a less talked about reality – the invisible struggles and challenges that accompany long journeys. This part of the narrative seldom makes it to the glamorous Instagram posts or the upbeat travel vlogs, yet it’s an integral part of the road trip experience. Let’s delve into the unseen battles that many of us, especially those behind the wheels of large vehicles, face but rarely share.

The Challenges and Complexities of the Road

One of the most immediate and palpable challenges is the physical toll that long hours of driving exert on the body. Imagine being confined to the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, for hours on end. It’s not just about enduring the monotony but also combating fatigue, cramps, and the occasional stiffness. Truck drivers, in particular, know this all too well. They are the unsung heroes of the highways, ensuring the smooth transit of goods across vast distances, often at the cost of their own comfort and health.

There’s the mental aspect. The road, with all its unpredictability, can be as mentally taxing as it is physically demanding. Navigating through traffic, keeping a vigilant eye for erratic drivers, and dealing with unexpected weather conditions require constant mental alertness. This continuous state of high alert can drain even the most seasoned of drivers. The solitude of the journey, especially for truck drivers who spend weeks away from home, can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.

It’s not just the challenges of the road that are often overlooked. There are also the interpersonal dynamics within the vehicle that can add an extra layer of complexity to the journey. Take, for example, the passengers in my truck who didn’t fully appreciate the situation. Despite the shared space, each individual’s experience of the journey can be vastly different, influenced by their perceptions, expectations, and personal thresholds for discomfort.

This brings us to the importance of empathy and understanding in navigating the less visible aspects of road tripping. Recognizing that the person behind the wheel is not just maneuvering a vehicle but also managing a multitude of unseen challenges can foster a more cohesive and supportive environment within the vehicle. It’s about acknowledging the effort it takes to keep the journey smooth and safe for everyone involved.

In the context of challenging road trips, there’s a parallel to be drawn with the concept of dealing with toxic people, as outlined by Karen Young. Much like how toxic individuals can drain your energy and spirit through subtle manipulations and behaviors, the road can similarly test your patience and resilience in unexpected ways. The key to both scenarios lies in recognizing the signs, understanding the dynamics at play, and adopting strategies to minimize their impact on your well-being.

As we peel back the layers of the road trip experience, it becomes evident that the journey is as much about navigating the unseen struggles as it is about the destinations themselves. The beauty of the open road is undeniable, but it’s the unseen battles, the moments of resilience, and the silent victories that truly encapsulate the essence of a road trip. So, the next time you embark on a long journey, remember the hidden challenges and the silent battles that accompany the adventure. It’s in acknowledging these unseen aspects that we can truly appreciate the full spectrum of the road trip experience.

The Unity and Shared Experience on the Road

The tales from the truck! They’re not just about the miles clocked or the destinations reached, but about the shared experiences, the laughter, the conversations that breathe life into those long stretches of highway. It’s where the essence of road tripping truly unfolds, uniting road warriors from all walks of life in a common journey. Let’s hit the road together and explore some of these tales, shall we?

Imagine the scene: you’re cruising down the interstate, your trusty truck humming beneath you, the landscape unfurling like a tapestry of adventures yet to be discovered. Each mile traveled is a story in the making, a memory waiting to be etched into the annals of road-trip lore. It’s not just about where you’re going, but who’s riding shotgun, who’s dozing in the back, and the myriad personalities that make every journey unique.

Take, for instance, the passenger who views the road through the lens of inconvenience – the lengthy hours, the cramped spaces, the stops that feel too few and far between. Then, there’s the wide-eyed wanderer, for whom every exit sign suggests a new possibility, every roadside diner a culinary expedition. And let’s not forget about the silent observer, content to gaze out the window, lost in thought or perhaps finding comfort in the rhythmic motion of travel.

What binds these disparate souls together? It’s the road itself, an impartial arbiter of experiences, serving up moments of beauty, boredom, and everything in between. It’s in these moments, both mundane and magnificent, that camaraderie is forged. Shared laughter over a particularly cheesy billboard, collective awe at a sudden vista unfolding, the united groan as traffic grinds to a halt – these are the threads that weave the fabric of our road-trip tapestry.

It’s not just the good times that bring us closer; it’s also the trials we face together. The flat tire in the middle of nowhere, the missed exit that adds an hour to your journey, the temperamental weather that tests your resolve. These challenges, though frustrating in the moment, often become the most cherished tales, recounted with laughter and a hint of pride at journeys end.

This sense of unity, of shared purpose, is what turns a mere drive into a journey. It’s what transforms passengers from mere occupants of a vehicle into fellow adventurers, co-authors of a shared narrative. And for those of us behind the wheel, it’s a poignant reminder of the responsibility we carry – not just to navigate the roads safely, but to nurture an environment where every mile is an opportunity for connection, for understanding, for friendship.

In the context of our interactions on the road, we find a microcosm of life’s broader journey. The road teaches us about patience, about the value of slowing down and appreciating the moment. It reminds us that the best journeys are those shared with others, that our differences can be the very thing that unites us. And perhaps, most importantly, it shows us that every journey, no matter how long or challenging, is made richer by the companions we share it with.

The next time you find yourself on a long drive, remember the invisible threads that connect each of us, the shared human experience that unfolds mile by mile. Embrace the journey, the companionship, and the stories that will one day become the tales from the truck. After all, it’s not just about reaching our destination, but about the memories we create, the bonds we forge, and the joy we find in the journey together. As we navigate the highways and byways of life, let’s remember to cherish these moments, for it’s in the sharing of our journeys that we find our common path.

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Little Bits of History Along U.S. Roadways

State Historical Road Markers dot U.S. Roadways and offers us little bits of history. I will share these bits of history and attempt to go deeper into the fascinating history of our nation.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Freedom road.

Marker Text: In search of freedom, men and women brought from the South by the "Underground Railroad" settled near here about 1825 and later. After 1850, most of them went on to Canada. Their cemetery, still in use, lies a short distance above the road.

Location: On U.S. Route 62 southeast of Stoneboro, PA, southwest of Sandy Lake across from the Stoneboro Fairgrounds. Erected by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 1947.

Marker next to Route 62 with Stoneboro Fairgrounds in the background.  Click any photo to enlarge.

  The location of this marker indicates the former presence of a old African-American community and the remains of an old cemetery left behind by this community dating back between 1825 to 1850. This marker is related to other markers informing the traveler to the early efforts to establish an underground railroad for escaping slaves.

  In 1820, the Pennsylvania legislature adopted a personal liberty law that aimed to protect African-American residents from being kidnapped by southern slave catchers. This law was amended and strengthened in 1826. Following these changes, free African-Americans or escaped slaves felt more confident residing in Pennsylvania.

  Here near Stoneboro, PA in Mercer County, a fugitive slave town called “Liberia” or “Freedom Road” was established by the Travis family of free African-Americans. For years, this community offered sanctuary to weary travelers. It was also the site of frequent raids by slave catchers. Southerners continued to cross the state boundary looking for fugitive slaves coming to small communities of African-Americans like "Freedom Road" (also called Liberia) near Sandy Lake. Other similar communities existed throughout Pennsylvania, such as, "Africa" in Washington County; "Tow Hill" in Columbia, Lancaster County; and "Wilmore" in Cambria County.

  Their sense of security began to disappear in 1842, when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the laws protecting them in Prigg v. Pennsylvania (1842). The court's decision was not a complete reversal. The ruling also established new guidelines for acceptable personal liberty provisions. In 1847, the state adopted a new version of its anti-kidnapping statute.

Photo of part of the old cemetery behind the marker on a hill.

  Then in 1850 with the passage of the Fugitive Slave Law, however, that finally changed the perceptions of many Pennsylvania African-American communities about their continued safety. The law made it easier for southerners to enter the North and recapture runaways. It authorized financial rewards for slave catchers, and severe penalties for those who helped fugitives escape (six months in jail and up to $1,000 in fines).

One of the newer grave stones in the cemetery.  Many of the residents who remained in the area later served in the army during the Civil War.

  The result of the Fugitive Slave Law created the near abandonment of African-American communities in places like Freedom Road and elsewhere. All that remains of this old community is a cemetery located behind this marker up a road near the marker.

  After the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, most of the population fled to Canada to become legal free citizens. A few stayed in this area, one an entrepreneur who sold cigars and whiskey to his neighbors. Another person who stayed was “Auntie Strange.” She was a runaway who was persistent enough to flee the South twice. The first time she was captured, beaten, and her fingers on the left hand chopped off. The second time, she gained her freedom.

  The “Freedom Road” community is located just south of Crawford County, PA where John Brown lived during this period and other underground railroad activities in Meadville, PA with Richard Henderson .

6 comments:

I've lived in Mercer County all of my life, and never knew about this former slave community. I plan to make a pilgrimage to this site this summer.

What a neat tidbit of history! Great information and pictures!

What a wonderful post. Want to share I have shared your photo(s) of the headstone of Jacob Robert's located in Amasa Stone Slave Cemetery aka Freedom Road Cemetery. Here is the link: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207315305/jacob-roberts I listed your blog site giving you credit and allowing others to link to your terrific blog. If there are any problems, please don't hesitate to contact me. Warm regards

Thanks for your comment and sharing information about the marker. I have not posted much in the last few years due to my full time job, but after I retire I attempt to post regularly, since I continue to take photos of markers.

I grew up in Coolspring township, just a few miles away, and my father told me about the cemetery in the early 1960s. He seemed to think it had long since disappeared, though. I'm glad to learn that it and its story still exists, and I plan to visit next time I'm in that area.

I am pretty sure this sign and graveyard is on land owned by my family. My great aunt lived in the house directly across from the fairgrounds and I remember when I was little finding the graveyard and being told it was former slaves.

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Freedom Road Upgrade Project Final Phase Continues Monday

(Pittsburgh, PA ) PennDOT District 11 is announcing the start of long-term detours as part of the final phase of the Freedom Road Upgrade Project in New Sewickley Township, Beaver County will begin Monday, May 16 weather permitting.

Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Freedom Crider Road (Route 2004) will close to through traffic between Route 989 and the intersection of Freedom Crider Road and Crows Run Road continuously through late September. Only local traffic will be permitted on the closed section of Freedom Crider Road. All other traffic will be detoured.

Posted Detour

West of the Closure

• From Freedom Crider Road, take Crows Run Road westbound
• Turn left onto southbound Route 65
• Turn left onto 11th Street
• 11th Street becomes 7th Avenue
• 7th Avenue becomes 13th Street
• 13th Street becomes Conway Wallrose Road
• Turn left onto Route 989
• Follow Route 989 back to Freedom Crider Road

East of the Closure

• Same route in the opposite direction

Additionally, work on Route 989 requiring a closure and detour will begin at 9 a.m. Monday and continue around-the-clock through late September between Freedom Crider Road and Lovi Road (Route 2006).  Traffic will be detoured via Route 989, Lovi Road, and Freedom Crider Road.

The work is part of the final phase of the Freedom Road Upgrade project which began in November 2021 and will cover several construction seasons, ending in the fall of 2024. The $21.75 million project located between Park Quarry Road and Route 989 includes realignment of the roadway, culvert replacements, roadway reconstruction and widening, new shoulders, guide rail updates, drainage improvements, additional turn-lanes, a roundabout installation, and utility relocations. Motorists will see detours, single-lane restrictions, lane narrowing, and alternating traffic during different stages of construction.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting  www.511PA.com . 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties at  www.penndot.gov/District11 .

Information about infrastructure in District 11, including completed work and significant projects, is available at  www.penndot.gov/D11Results . Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at  www.projects.penndot.gov .

Follow PennDOT on Twitter at  www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews  and like the department on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/ PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransp ortation  and Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/ pennsylvaniadot/ .

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Moscow Journal; Freedom Brings Automotive Chaos on the Streets

By Michael Specter

• March 18, 1995

There are many ways to be miserable in Moscow, but driving is one of the best. It is also among the most popular, because people here will do anything to get their hands on a car.

Car ownership, once restricted to foreigners, party bureaucrats and their corrupt networks of sycophants and cronies, is no longer a vague dream. It is a frightening, traffic-stopping, ear-shattering reality.

There are at least 1.5 million cars in Moscow today, twice as many as three years ago, possibly five times as many as in 1980, and the traffic police say that between 500 and 1,000 new cars appear here every day. Blame capitalism and freedom for the flood of automobiles rattling over the broken pavement. But blame driving skills for most of the results.

"We have a deadly combination, and I don't think anyone knows how to solve it," said Viktor A. Kaverin, the deputy chief of the G.A.I., the government traffic police, which remains as hated and ubiquitous as any official organization in the country. "We have too many cars, not enough roads and drivers who don't know how to drive."

That pretty much sums it up.

Officials here have tried to reroute traffic, but it never works. They have tried the trick of simply making streets one way on little notice, but that makes problems worse. They have even introduced the Denver boot (which Russians seem to think was invented here) to lock illegally parked cars in place. But that has been the biggest mistake of all, stopping traffic in a city with only 10 tow trucks.

At least traffic jams do not cause collisions. Last year there were 9,567 accidents in Moscow, in which nearly 1,500 people were killed and almost 10,000 injured. This year is worse, according to Mr. Kaverin, who said there are about 40 serious accidents every day in the capital.

There is no sign of relief. These days the bold, the nouveau riche and the crazy simply buy police lights in any automotive store -- they are legal -- and slap them on the top of their cars when they are in a hurry. It is not even that unusual any more to see Jeep Cherokees with flashing blue lights racing 50 miles an hour along the wrong side of a road.

"Why not use them?" asked Grigory Listyenko, who was buying blue police lights for $30 recently from a kiosk on the Arbat, one of the city's best known shopping streets. "Everyone else does."

Although it is hard to believe, accidents may not even be the most serious legacy of Moscow's new love of automotive freedom: unleaded gas is nonexistent. The toxins sifting through the icy air here probably do far more harm than car crashes.

Last year, according to Government health figures, more than a million tons of wastes -- mostly carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and other volatile and unstable hydrocarbons -- were pumped into the city air by car exhausts.

"I don't know what to do about it," said Tamara Vikalyuna, 37, who drives more than an hour to work each day at a large Moscow shopping center. "I could take the Metro, but it is much more comfortable to ride in your own car. In America you all do that, don't you?"

It is difficult to explain to the average Russian citizen, for whom a personal car is such a potent symbol of new and hard-won freedoms, why it would be better to sit with the masses on a subway than drive to work alone.

Desperate to create a way to cross the city at rush hour, the Government has just agreed to build 36 helicopter pads at strategic locations for police and medical emergencies and other urgent business.

Right now, traversing the five miles across the city in less than five hours remains difficult. Quick rides that once took 10 minutes can now routinely consume a morning.

Driving patterns would challenge a good fighter pilot; red lights are considered decorative suggestions; sidewalks are for driving around a traffic jam, and since there are almost no parking lots in the city, the streets -- even the few major thoroughfares -- usually serve that function.

It is not as if driving was ever pure pleasure here, even in Soviet times. Roads have always been poorly lit, and signs often make no sense.

The police were always aggressive. Today, they still stand at most intersections waving people over at whim with their dreaded batons. The worst offenses call for a fine on the spot, and if the traffic officer is particularly nasty, he can whip out his hole puncher -- the weapon most feared by motorists -- and put a license-threatening hole in the driver's papers. Once a driver accumulates three holes, he is no longer a driver.

Asked why the city did not simply charge huge fees for driving here, Mr. Kaverin seemed wounded.

"That would deprive drivers of their human rights," he said. "You cannot legislate the ability to drive in a free country. Anyone who would try would fail."

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5 most interesting routes for a road trip in Russia

1. The ‘Golden Ring’

One of the most famous and popular tourist routes among foreigners was created back in the 1960s by journalist Yuri Bychkov. He was first to come up with the idea that a journey through ancient cities to the northeast of Moscow could be looped. Thus the ‘Golden Ring’ appeared. The original route included eight cities: 

• Sergiev Posad
• Pereslavl-Zalessky
• Rostov the Great

Each of the cities has preserved its historic center, ancient churches (starting from the 12th century) and the incredible authentic charm of old Russia. 

Today, the ‘Golden Ring of Russia’ has become so popular that many cities strive to join it and become part of the main cultural heritage of the middle zone. Among the worthy ones, we will mention Plyos, Rybinsk, Kalyazin, Murom and Myshkin. In any case, in the dozens of settlements along the way, you will see stunning temples and museums of folk crafts and, of course, great restaurants with Russian cuisine. 

Read our full guide to Russia’s ‘Golden Ring’ here .

You can start the trip from St. Petersburg and drive around Lake Ladoga to the town of Sortavala. After spending the night there, early in the morning, go to the Ruskeala Nature Park to enjoy all the variety of Karelian nature (and traditional cuisine) at once (read more about Ruskeala here ). 

Ruskeala park

After that, go to Petrozavodsk, the capital of the republic, which is on Lake Onega. Straight from there, you can take a boat or a ferry to Kizhi Island, where the unique wooden churches of the 18th century are located (or you can take a small detour by car, approaching as close as possible, but you still have to take a boat to the island). Petrozavodsk is roughly five hours drive from  St. Petersburg.

Find out about other beautiful places worth visiting in Karelia here . 

3. The Russian North

Right from Karelia, intrepid travelers can go even farther, to the “true north”. Having driven all over the country, Andrey Artyukhov, president of Russia’s League of Caravaners, advises to choose one of two routes, both very beautiful and informative, from the point of view of nature and cultural heritage.

The first route runs through all of Karelia and up to the Kola Peninsula and Murmansk Region. “The way from Murmansk to Zapolyarny is the most beautiful road through our northern Arctic tundra,” Andrey says and also advises visiting the famous Teriberka, a village on the White Sea where Andrey Zvyagintsev filmed the movie ‘Leviathan’. “The route turns out to be circular and, on the way back, you can see Karelia from the other side.”

The second route is going to Arkhangelsk. “This is a completely different direction, although it’s also the Arctic zone, but it is the place to enjoy the true ‘Russian North’,” Artyukhov explains. The route runs through ancient cities such as Vologda, Vytegra and Medvezhyegorsk. Along the way, you may see ancient churches and monasteries and also village houses with carved platbands and, of course, the most beautiful northern nature - coniferous forests and lakes. 

4. The Altai

A place of the Chuya and Katun rivers confluence

The Altai Mountains are a real place of strength and the ‘Chuisky Tract’ highway is considered to be, perhaps, the most scenic road in Russia. You can start your journey from another region, the very heart of Siberia - Novosibirsk - and end up driving almost a thousand kilometers to the border with Mongolia. On the way, you will pass such major cities as Barnaul (the capital of the Altai Territory), beautiful Biysk and, finally, Gorno-Altaisk, the capital of the Altai Republic.

This historic trade road, also called the ‘Siberian Silk Road’, begins in the steppe, runs along the banks of the Ob River and the mountainous Katun River and then crosses the Cherginsky Ridge, leading right into the Altai Mountains.

Watch our adventure on the Chuisky Tract here .

5. To the sea! 

Balaklava, Crimea

Thousands of caravans with Russians travel south every summer, enjoying the sun and the warm sea (mostly the Black Sea, but also the Azov and Caspian seas). For avid travelers, this road already seems well traveled, but, for the first time, the way to the south leaves an indelible impression. Behind the window, the scenery changes: rivers, forests and steppes, rye fields and sunflower plantations. 

And then, right on the Black Sea coast, you can turn in the direction of Sochi and the Caucasus or, vice versa, rush to the Taman Peninsula and enter Crimea via the newly built bridge. Snaking along its southern coast will give tourists stunning views - mountain and sea landscapes, as well as royal palaces and villas of artists and writers.