NEW BALTIMORE — A popular roadside attraction at the so-called "Turnpike Church" will soon be a thing of the past thanks to a highway upgrade and safety concerns.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission plans to remove the steps leading to St. John the Baptist Church in 2009.

"It's going to be a sad thing to see them go," said Irene Plush, who grew up in this community near the border of Bedford and Somerset counties. "I don't want to lose those steps."

The two sets of concrete stairs, which climb out of the Pennsylvania Turnpike on both sides to the church, will be removed as part of an eight-mile upgrade of the road.

Built half a century ago, the steps are the only break in a chain-link fence enclosing the toll road. The only other exceptions are fence breaks for interchanges and service plazas, said turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo.

"I think the people who travel the turnpike will miss it," said Alzine Hoffman, a member of the church's council.

The steps have been a curiosity for generations of motorists. Over the years, countless travelers have pulled over to walk to the church.

"We've had people from all over the world," said past parish council president Tom Wambaugh.

Church officials believe the steps were built as part of a deal that forced graves of Carmelite priests who lived in the monastery to be moved. The pact, however, likely was verbal because no written agreement has been found.

Even if one is found, it's unlikely the steps will be replaced.

Having steps so close to the highway is too risky, DeFebo said. They encourage drivers to slow down or pull over on a highway where the speed limit is 65 mph.