Seneca Turnpike

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The Seneca Turnpike is a road originally extending from Fort Schuyler (Utica, New York) to Canandaigua, New York.

The New York State Legislature authorized the Seneca Road Company in 1800 to complete unfinished sections of the Genesee Road, thereafter known as the Seneca Turnpike. The "Seneca Road," as it often was called, was 157 miles long, and at the time was the longest turnpike in the state. A parallel branch slightly farther north, approved in 1806, crossed more level terrain through Chittenango, Fayetteville, Geddes, and Elbridge, passing north of Auburn, and joining the southern route at Seneca Falls. As the city of Syracuse developed, this alternate route received more traffic. The Seneca Road Company dissolved in 1852.

From Utica to Chittenango, Seneca Turnpike (still known by that name, though no longer a toll road) now is part of New York State Route 5. West of Chittenango the former northern section of the turnpike continues as Route 5 while the southern section is now part of New York State Route 173. From Onondaga Hill west, Seneca Turnpike becomes a segment of New York State Route 175.

West of Marcellus, Route 175 no longer follows the original route, which now is known as the "Old Seneca Turnpike," passing north of Skaneateles village. Route 175 from Marcellus (Lee Mulroy Road), connecting directly to the village, follows the right-of-way of an old trolley line that once linked Skaneateleles, Marcellus, and Syracuse. This is not to be confused with the "New Seneca Turnpike," another link between Marcellus and Skaneateles which is a third parallel route. The latter two of these parallel roads link to US 20 east of Skaneateles Village, while Old Seneca Turnpike ends at Franklin Street west of the village.

The "Old Seneca Turnpike" is not to be confused with northern branch of the Seneca Turnpike which is now NY Route 5.

[edit] References

  • Rivette, Barbara S. "Genesee Road." Enclylopedia of New York State. Syracuse University Press, 2005. p. 631.
  • Baer, Christopher T. "Turnpikes." Enclylopedia of New York State. Syracuse University Press, 2005. pp.1588-1589.
  • Google Maps.