Pennsylvania Route 272
Encyclopedia
Pennsylvania Route 272 is a 55 miles (88.5 km) long highway in eastern Pennsylvania
, in the Lancaster
area. The southern terminus of the route is at the Mason-Dixon Line
southeast of Nottingham
, where it continues into Maryland
as Maryland Route 272
. The northern terminus is at U.S. Route 222 and Pennsylvania Route 568
in Adamstown
, where PA 568 continues eastward on the PA 272 right-of-way.
, except for about a mile at the northern terminus where it enters Berks County
and the southernmost part of the route, which is in Chester County
. In downtown Lancaster
, it is hidden but merged with US 222.
state line in East Nottingham Township
in Chester County
where it continues as Maryland Route 272
. 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Mayland State Line, it meets US 1
at an interchange. Upon crossing the Octoraro Creek
, PA 272 enters Lancaster County
. In Wakefield
, it merges with US 222 for about a mile. In East Drumore Township
, it meets with PA 372
. In Willow Street
, it splits before meeting with PA 741
and merging with US 222 into Lancaster
. In the southern tip of Lancaster, 272 and US 222 meet with the northern terminus of PA 324
.
In Lancaster, PA 272 is hidden but is routed with US 222. South of the downtown area of Lancaster, it meets the southern terminus of PA 72
. In Lancaster, it meets with the PA 23
and PA 462
concurrency. Outside of Lancaster, PA 272 splits from US 222 (which forms a concurrency with US 30
). About 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Neffsville
, it meets the eastern terminus of PA 722
. Near Brownstown
, it meets with PA 772
. In Ephrata
, it shares an interchange with US 322
. Near Denver
, PA 272 meets the connector to the Pa Turnpike
/ I-76
and US 222. Just south of Adamstown
, it intersects PA 897
in East Cocalico Township
. A mile east of Adamstown and in Berks County
, the route ends at an interchange with US 222 and continues as PA 568
.
community of Wakefield to Willow Street
, south of Lancaster. In 1975, the northern terminus was moved from Willow Street to the Pennsylvania Turnpike
connector in Denver
. For a portion of this period, the roadway followed State Street through Ephrata
, Reamstown
, and Denver. In 1978, the northern terminus was moved to its current location.
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, in the Lancaster
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
area. The southern terminus of the route is at the Mason-Dixon Line
Mason-Dixon line
The Mason–Dixon Line was surveyed between 1763 and 1767 by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon in the resolution of a border dispute between British colonies in Colonial America. It forms a demarcation line among four U.S. states, forming part of the borders of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and...
southeast of Nottingham
Nottingham, Pennsylvania
Nottingham is an unincorporated community located in West Nottingham Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania. The community is located at the intersection of U.S. 1 and Pennsylvania Route 272 near the border with East Nottingham Township a short distance north of the Maryland border. It is home to...
, where it continues into Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
as Maryland Route 272
Maryland Route 272
Maryland Route 272 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from Turkey Point within Elk Neck State Park north through North East to the Pennsylvania state line near Calvert, where the highway continues as Pennsylvania Route 272...
. The northern terminus is at U.S. Route 222 and Pennsylvania Route 568
Pennsylvania Route 568
Pennsylvania Route 568 is an long state route in east central Pennsylvania, United States. The western terminus is at U.S. Route 222 near Adamstown, where PA 568 continues to the southwest as Pennsylvania Route 272...
in Adamstown
Adamstown, Pennsylvania
Adamstown is a borough in Berks and Lancaster counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 1,789 at the 2010 census. It was initially founded on 4 July 1761 by William Addams on the site of a former village of native Americans, and Addams named the community "Addamsburry"...
, where PA 568 continues eastward on the PA 272 right-of-way.
Route description
PA 272 is mostly in Lancaster CountyLancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a county located in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010 the population was 519,445. Lancaster County forms the Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area, the...
, except for about a mile at the northern terminus where it enters Berks County
Berks County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 373,638 people, 141,570 households, and 98,532 families residing in the county. The population density was 435 people per square mile . There were 150,222 housing units at an average density of 175 per square mile...
and the southernmost part of the route, which is in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
. In downtown Lancaster
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
, it is hidden but merged with US 222.
Maryland State Line to Lancaster
The southern terminus of PA 272 is at the MarylandMaryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
state line in East Nottingham Township
East Nottingham Township, Pennsylvania
East Nottingham Township is a township in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 8,650 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
in Chester County
Chester County, Pennsylvania
-State parks:*French Creek State Park*Marsh Creek State Park*White Clay Creek Preserve-Demographics:As of the 2010 census, the county was 85.5% White, 6.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American or Alaskan Native, 3.9% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian, 1.8% were two or more races, and 2.4% were...
where it continues as Maryland Route 272
Maryland Route 272
Maryland Route 272 is a state highway in the U.S. state of Maryland. The state highway runs from Turkey Point within Elk Neck State Park north through North East to the Pennsylvania state line near Calvert, where the highway continues as Pennsylvania Route 272...
. 4 miles (6.4 km) north of the Mayland State Line, it meets US 1
U.S. Route 1 in Pennsylvania
U.S. Route 1 is a major north–south U.S. Highway, extending from the Florida Keys in the south to the Canadian border in the north. In the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, US 1 runs for from the Maryland state line near Oxford to the New Jersey state line near Trenton.-Maryland to Interstate...
at an interchange. Upon crossing the Octoraro Creek
Octoraro Creek
Octoraro Creek is a tributary of the Susquehanna River, joining it above the Susquehanna's mouth at Chesapeake Bay. The Octoraro rises as an East and West Branch in Pennsylvania. The East Branch and Octoraro Creek form the southern half of the border between Lancaster and Chester counties until...
, PA 272 enters Lancaster County
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
Lancaster County, known as the Garden Spot of America or Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is a county located in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in the United States. As of 2010 the population was 519,445. Lancaster County forms the Lancaster Metropolitan Statistical Area, the...
. In Wakefield
Fulton Township, Pennsylvania
Fulton Township is a township in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, and it is the only municipality in the county to touch the Maryland border. At the 2000 census the population was 2,826. It is part of the Solanco School District....
, it merges with US 222 for about a mile. In East Drumore Township
East Drumore Township, Pennsylvania
East Drumore Township is a township in south central Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 3,535. It is part of the Solanco School District.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, it meets with PA 372
Pennsylvania Route 372
Pennsylvania Route 372 is an east–west highway in York, Lancaster, and Chester counties. Its western terminus is at Pennsylvania Route 74 in Lower Chanceford Township north of Delta and west of Holtwood, and its eastern terminus is at Pennsylvania Route 82 in Coatesville.-York and Lancaster...
. In Willow Street
Willow Street, Pennsylvania
Willow Street is a census-designated place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,258 at the 2000 census. In the early part of the 20th century the main thoroughfare in town was lined with Willow trees on both sides for the length of the town. The community received...
, it splits before meeting with PA 741
Pennsylvania Route 741
Pennsylvania Route 741 is a long state highway that runs through western and southern Lancaster County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The eastern terminus is at Pennsylvania Route 41 in Gap...
and merging with US 222 into Lancaster
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Lancaster is a city in the south-central part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is the county seat of Lancaster County and one of the older inland cities in the United States, . With a population of 59,322, it ranks eighth in population among Pennsylvania's cities...
. In the southern tip of Lancaster, 272 and US 222 meet with the northern terminus of PA 324
Pennsylvania Route 324
Pennsylvania Route 324 is a long state highway located in the western part of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The southern terminus is at River Road in Martic Township. The northern terminus is at US 222/PA 272 in Lancaster...
.
Lancaster to Adamstown
Pennsylvania Route 72
Pennsylvania Route 72 is a long north–south state route located in southeast Pennsylvania. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 222 and Pennsylvania Route 272 in downtown Lancaster. The northern terminus is at Pennsylvania Route 443 north of Lickdale in Swatara Township.It...
. In Lancaster, it meets with the PA 23
Pennsylvania Route 23
Pennsylvania Route 23 is a state highway in southeastern Pennsylvania. The route begins at Pennsylvania Route 441 in Marietta and heads east to U.S. Route 1 in Philadelphia.-Marietta to Valley Forge:...
and PA 462
Pennsylvania Route 462
Pennsylvania Route 462 is a long east–west running local route in central Pennsylvania. The western terminus is west of York. The eastern terminus is east of Lancaster. At both ends, PA 462 terminates at U.S. Route 30, and all of the route was signed as U.S. Route 30 before a freeway was...
concurrency. Outside of Lancaster, PA 272 splits from US 222 (which forms a concurrency with US 30
U.S. Route 30
U.S. Route 30 is an east–west main route of the system of United States Numbered Highways, with the highway traveling across the northern tier of the country. It is the third longest U.S. route, after U.S. Route 20 and U.S. Route 6. The western end of the highway is at Astoria, Oregon; the...
). About 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Neffsville
Neffsville, Pennsylvania
Neffsville, Pennsylvania is a suburban community in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Being unincorporated, Neffsville has no boundaries. The US Geological Survey Place Names database locates Neffsville at 40°6'0"N 76°18'20"W...
, it meets the eastern terminus of PA 722
Pennsylvania Route 722
Pennsylvania Route 722 is an long, east–west state highway located in central Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The eastern terminus is at PA 272 in Oregon...
. Near Brownstown
Brownstown, Pennsylvania
Brownstown is the name of more than one place in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania:*Brownstown, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania*Brownstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania*Brownstown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania*Brownstown, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania...
, it meets with PA 772
Pennsylvania Route 772
Pennsylvania Route 772 or is an east–west long state highway located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is a scenic alternative to U.S. Route 30 as it roughly parallels the main highway to the north. The highway is mostly named Newport Road...
. In Ephrata
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Ephrata is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, south east of Harrisburg and about west by north of Philadelphia. It is named after Ephrath, a biblical town in what is now Israel. Ephrata's sister city is Eberbach, Germany, the city where its founders originated. In its...
, it shares an interchange with US 322
U.S. Route 322
U.S. Route 322 is a long, east–west United States Highway, traversing Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The road is a spur of U.S. Route 22 and one of the original highways from 1926...
. Near Denver
Denver, Pennsylvania
Denver is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,332 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Denver is located at ....
, PA 272 meets the connector to the Pa Turnpike
Pennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system operated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. The three sections of the turnpike system total . The main section extends from Ohio to New Jersey and is long...
/ I-76
Interstate 76 (east)
Interstate 76 is an Interstate Highway in the United States, running 435 miles from an interchange with Interstate 71 west of Akron, Ohio, east to Interstate 295 near Camden, New Jersey....
and US 222. Just south of Adamstown
Adamstown, Pennsylvania
Adamstown is a borough in Berks and Lancaster counties in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The population was 1,789 at the 2010 census. It was initially founded on 4 July 1761 by William Addams on the site of a former village of native Americans, and Addams named the community "Addamsburry"...
, it intersects PA 897
Pennsylvania Route 897
Pennsylvania Route 897 is a long north–south route in eastern Pennsylvania, United States. The southern terminus is at an intersection with U.S. Route 30 in Gap. The northern terminus is at U.S. Route 422 east of Lebanon. Like most Pennsylvania highways, PA 897 has no expressway...
in East Cocalico Township
East Cocalico Township, Pennsylvania
East Cocalico Township is a township in northeastern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 9,954.-Geography:According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , all of it land....
. A mile east of Adamstown and in Berks County
Berks County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 373,638 people, 141,570 households, and 98,532 families residing in the county. The population density was 435 people per square mile . There were 150,222 housing units at an average density of 175 per square mile...
, the route ends at an interchange with US 222 and continues as PA 568
Pennsylvania Route 568
Pennsylvania Route 568 is an long state route in east central Pennsylvania, United States. The western terminus is at U.S. Route 222 near Adamstown, where PA 568 continues to the southwest as Pennsylvania Route 272...
.
History
PA 272 was signed in 1928. In 1965, the northern terminus was moved from the Fulton TownshipFulton Township, Pennsylvania
Fulton Township is a township in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, and it is the only municipality in the county to touch the Maryland border. At the 2000 census the population was 2,826. It is part of the Solanco School District....
community of Wakefield to Willow Street
Willow Street, Pennsylvania
Willow Street is a census-designated place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 7,258 at the 2000 census. In the early part of the 20th century the main thoroughfare in town was lined with Willow trees on both sides for the length of the town. The community received...
, south of Lancaster. In 1975, the northern terminus was moved from Willow Street to the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Pennsylvania Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike is a toll highway system operated by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States. The three sections of the turnpike system total . The main section extends from Ohio to New Jersey and is long...
connector in Denver
Denver, Pennsylvania
Denver is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,332 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Denver is located at ....
. For a portion of this period, the roadway followed State Street through Ephrata
Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Ephrata is a borough in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, south east of Harrisburg and about west by north of Philadelphia. It is named after Ephrath, a biblical town in what is now Israel. Ephrata's sister city is Eberbach, Germany, the city where its founders originated. In its...
, Reamstown
Reamstown, Pennsylvania
Reamstown is a census-designated place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 3,498 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
, and Denver. In 1978, the northern terminus was moved to its current location.
Former designations
- Pennsylvania Route 41Pennsylvania Route 41Pennsylvania Route 41 is a major long state highway located in southeastern Pennsylvania. The southern terminus of the route is at the Delaware state line in New Garden Township, where it continues as Delaware Route 41. The northern terminus is at U.S...
(1926-1928) - Pennsylvania Route 72Pennsylvania Route 72Pennsylvania Route 72 is a long north–south state route located in southeast Pennsylvania. The southern terminus of the route is at U.S. Route 222 and Pennsylvania Route 272 in downtown Lancaster. The northern terminus is at Pennsylvania Route 443 north of Lickdale in Swatara Township.It...
(1936-1965) - U.S. Route 222 (1936-1978)