You are viewing 28 posts in the category Chester County
Paoli Pike Trail Open House and Project Presentation Set for June 16
On Tuesday, June 16 area trail users are invited to participate in the planning of a multiuse, off-road trail spanning the East Goshen Township along Paoli Pike. The trail was recommended in the 2013 Chester County Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan (see here). There is hope that this will be the first step in an off-road trail linking West Chester, Malvern and Paoli, so come out and join us!
Beginning at 6:00 p.m., the township's consultants, McMahon Associations, will present for comment a preferred alignment and general design at the township building (located at 1580 Paoli Pike). Following the Open House, there will be another presentation during the Board of Supervisors meeting at 7:00 p.m.
A public comment period on the Trail Conceptual Plan is scheduled in September. The Feasibility and Master Plan project is scheduled for completion in December. It is anticipated the township will apply for grants in 2016 to fund the next steps in creating the trail.
What's on Deck for the Circuit
Based upon a review of the status of Circuit trail projects in the nine counties, we are able to update the estimated completion dates of twenty-six trail projects and four on-road bike lane projects that are likely to occur over the next 24 months. There are roughly 30 miles of trails and 15 miles of bike lanes expected to be added over the next two years. Many exciting trail projects that everyone has long been waiting for are on this list!
|
Project Title |
Type |
Mileage |
County |
ESTIMATED Completion date |
|
Delaware Avenue Extension |
Paved Trail |
0.6 |
Phila |
Fall 2015 |
|
Green Lane Connector |
Paved Trail/Sidepath |
0.1 |
Bucks |
Fall 2015 |
|
Newtown Square Trail |
Trail |
0.9 |
Delaware |
Fall 2015 |
|
Darby Creek Stream Valley Park |
Paved Trail |
1.2 |
Delaware |
Fall 2015 |
|
Tinicum Route 291 ECG |
Trail/Sidepath |
0.5 |
Delaware |
Fall 2015 |
|
Pennypack Trail - Route 63 to Byberry Road |
Stone Dust Trail |
3 |
Montco |
Fall 2015 |
|
Cobbs Creek Segment A |
PavedTrail |
1 |
Phila |
Spring 2016 |
|
Manayunk Bridge |
Paved Trail/Bridge |
0.6 |
Phila |
Spring 2016 |
|
Pennypack Trail - Crossing of Frankford Ave |
2-Way Protected Bike Lane |
0.05 |
Phila |
Spring 2016 |
|
Marcus Hook ECG |
Bike Lanes |
1 |
Delaware |
Spring 2016 |
|
Betzwood Bridge |
Bridge |
0.5 |
Montco |
Spring 2016 |
|
Big Woods Trail |
Stone Dust Trail |
2 |
Berks |
Spring 2016 |
|
Kinkora Trail |
Trail/Sidepath |
3 |
Burlington |
Spring 2016 |
|
Lawrence Hopewell Trail - Carter Road Section |
Trail |
2 |
Mercer |
Spring 2016 |
|
Chester Creek Trail |
Paved Trail |
2 |
Delaware |
Summer 2016 |
|
SRT Pottstown - Phase 1 |
Trail |
1.5 |
Montco |
Summer 2016 |
|
Tookany Creek |
Paved Trail |
0.5 |
Montco |
Summer 2016 |
|
Bartram's Mile |
PavedTrail |
1.25 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
Baxter Trail |
Paved Trail |
1.75 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
K&T Trail |
Paved Trail |
1.8 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
SRT - South St to Christian |
Paved Trail |
0.3 |
Phila |
Fall 2016 |
|
Tyburn Road Underpass |
Trail |
0.2 |
Bucks |
Fall 2016 |
|
Del Rvr Heritage Trail |
Trail/Sidepath |
5 |
Burlington |
Fall 2016 |
|
Gray's Ferry Swing Bridge |
Bridge |
0.75 |
Phila |
Spring 2017 |
|
Lindberg Blvd - 84th St to John Heinz |
Paved Trail/Sidepath |
0.5 |
Phila |
Spring 2017 |
|
Ben Franklin Bridge Ramp |
Bridge |
0.3 |
Camden |
Spring 2017 |
|
Delaware River Waterfront Trail - Washington Ave to Pier 70 |
Trail Improvement |
0.5 |
Phila |
Spring 2017 |
|
TOTAL TRAIL MILEAGE |
32.3 |
|||
|
Tuckahoe Road Bike Lanes - Monroe Twp to Route 40 |
Bike Lanes |
10 |
Gloucester |
Fall 2015 |
|
Camden/North Camden Waterfront Bike Facilities |
Bike Lanes |
1.6 |
Camden |
Fall 2015 |
|
Camden/North Camden Waterfront Bike Facilities |
Sharrows |
2 |
Camden |
Fall 2015 |
|
North Park Drive Bike Lanes (Part of the Circuit) |
Bike Lanes |
1.6 |
Camden |
Summer 2016 |
|
TOTAL BIKE LANE MILEAGE |
15.2 |
Circuit Trail Segments Poised For the PA TIP
Since May 2014, the PA counties have been working to strategically prioritize segments of the Circuit. As a result of this work, a number of these projects are being nominated to receive Regional Trail Program funding for design and engineering, construction, or additional study. The nominations will be up for approval at the June 2015 DVRPC Board meeting. If approved, this phase will distribute almost $1.4 million in funding.
The PA counties have also sought to identify projects that could be placed on the PA Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), which is the 5 counties' transportation capital budget program. An action will be introduced at the June 2015 Board meeting to create a Circuit line item on the TIP. Seven high-priority trail projects deemed ready for design have been identified for inclusion in this line item.
The DVRPC Board is poised to dedicate $5 M of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to that line item for the construction of the projects. Identified projects will be eligible to use those funds for construction. They will also work through the PennDOT process during design, making them well-positioned to compete for future federal construction funding sources.
In addition, six of the seven projects in the line item will receive Regional Trails Program funding to pay for design and engineering. Finally, it should be noted that approximately $9.5 million in construction funds are already programmed for the Chester Valley Trail Extension. This project is included among the seven because it has been nominated to receive supplemental funding for design and engineering from the Regional Trails Program.
The PA Circuit TIP Projects will be:
Philadelphia - 1) Pennypack Trail - State & Rhawn Crossing
2) Cobbs Creek Segment D– 84th Street to entrance of John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge along Lindberg Blvd.
3) Spring Garden Street Greenway - Final Preliminary Design
Montco - 4) Chester Valley Trail Extension
5) Pennypack Trail - Byberry Road to County Line Road
Bucks - 6) Newtown Branch (Southampton section)
7) Bridge Street Crossing – D&L Canal Towpath
The following projects will receive Regional Trail Program Round 2 funds for construction or study, but will not be placed onto the TIP:
- Chester - Chester Valley Trail Phase 4A (construction)
- Schuylkill RIver Trail - 422 to Moser Rd (construction)
- Frankford Greenway (alignment analysis study)
- Cross County Trail (alignment analysis study)
Phoenixville Community Celebration On SRT Trail: April 25
Calling all Phoenixville-area community members! This weekend, you are invited to head downtown to for a whole host of family fun events on and around the new two-mile trail segment of the Schuylkill River Trail. Activities include everything from a bike tour along the new trail, a bike check and a complementary bike helmet fitting station to live music, chalk and plein air art (painting outdoors!) and more. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. near the Walking Bridge at the Foundry and the Phoenixville Farmer’s Market. For more information, visit http://www.schuylkillrivertowns.com/new-events/2015/4/25/phoenixville-trail-opening-celebration.
Phoenixville Trail Opens Connecting More Than 60 Miles of Completed Schuylkill River Trail
The official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony of the new two-mile segment of the Schuylkill River Trail in Phoenixville is today, representing another significant step forward in the continued development of the Circuit. If you're in the neighborhood around 4 p.m., join us for the festivities! The ribbon cutting will take place at the Walking Bridge at the Foundry located at 2 N. Main Street in Phoenixville. Immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony, participants in the Sly Fox Brewing Co. "SRT Spree" will kayak from Riverfront Park to Lock 60 then bike to the new trail head to demonstrate how easy it is to transition from river to trail (read more about the Sly Fox Brewing Co. "SRT Spree" here).
The newly developed Phoenixville trail is a recreation and transportation path for cyclists, runners and pedestrians, connecting the local community to the riverfront and neighboring towns. As a key link in the region's trail network, the new segment closes what has been viewed as a high-priority gap in the Schuylkill River Trail, connecting the Phoenixville Borough to over 60 miles of finished trail, including a 26-mile stretch from Philadelphia to Phoenixville. When fully complete, the Schuylkill River Trail will total approximately 130 miles from Philadelphia to Pottsville, comprising a large segment of the Circuit, which will ultimately include 750 miles of multi-use trails through greater Philadelphia and South Jersey.
Funding for the Phoenixville segment of the Schuylkill River Trail was provided by the William Penn Foundation, through the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), and The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area managed by the Schuylkill River Greenway Association. The Phoenixville segment was designed by Ray Ott and Associates and Campbell Thomas & Company and constructed by the Borough’s Public Works Department.
Sly Fox Brewing Co. Releases New Ale in Celebration of the “SRT Spree”
Here’s a great way to start your weekend… today marks day 2 of the Sly Fox Brewing Co.’s SRT Spree, a week-long celebration of the recreational opportunities along the SRT or Schuylkill River Trail from Pottsville to Philadelphia. The Sly Fox launch team is traveling the trail via various methods such as hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback and more. Each day of the journey, the team is making stops to take part in efforts, such as trail clean-ups, to help build awareness and appreciation for the trail. Community members are encouraged to travel along any segment of the SRT Spree journey and to participate in any of the volunteer clean-up locations.
One stop is particularly important, as a critical two-mile segment of the Schuylkill River Trail is opening in Phoenixville on Monday, April 20 with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. On Monday, “Spree” participants will kayak from Riverfront Park to Lock 60 then bike to the trail head to demonstrate how easy it is to transition from river to trail.
Additionally, Sly Fox Brewing Co. has joined forces with the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area for the release of its newest canned beer, SRT Ale, which will hit the market appropriately on Earth Day, April 22, the final day of the SRT Spree. Proceeds from the sale of SRT Ale will benefit the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.slyfoxbeer.com/index.php/front/srtspree.
Philly Mag Shares Some of the Region’s Best Running Trails, Including Many on the Circuit
With the iconic Broad Street Run just a few weeks away, Philly Mag shared some of the best running trails and parks in the Philadelphia area and beyond, and several Circuit trails made the recommended list! Trails with spectacular views included the Ben Franklin Bridge, Boxers’ Trail, Cobbs Creek Trail, Cynwyd Heritage Trail, Wissahickon Trail, Tyler State Park, Valley Forge Historic National Park, Schuylkill River Trail, and Cooper River Park. Go to Philly Mag to see the full list of trails and parks to take advantage of while the weather is warming up!
2014 Highlights of the Circuit
2014 Milestones
- 12 miles of new trails were added, including the Boardwalk on Schuylkill Banks
- Manayunk Bridge and four other trails broke ground
- $13.2 million in federal, state and local grants were made in 2014 for Circuit projects.
- The Willilam Penn Foundation awarded $8.6 million for Circuit trails and a communications plan
- 8 counters were installed on Chester Valley Trail, Cynwyd, SRT at Kelly Drive, SRT at Pawlings Road, Lawrence Hopewell Trail, US 202 Parkway Trail, Wissahickon Trail.
- The Pennsylvania FY 2015-2018 Transportation Improvement Program committed an additional $1 million for Circuit projects in the next round of Transportation Alternatives awards and the five PA counties agreed to prioritize their Circuit trails for future funding.
- Coverage in 47 outlets that reached 89 million viewers
300 miles are now complete
The Circuit grew in 2014 through the opening of the following trails:
Eleven Ribbon Cuttings/Trail Openings
- Neshaminy Creek Trail - Doylestown & New Britain
- Pennypack North/South Extension
- Chester Valley Trail 2 & Trail 3
- Schuylkill River Trail-Boardwalk
- Kinkora Trail
- Lawrence Hopewell Pennington Connection
- Schuylkill River Trail-Leesport
- Baldwin Run Trail
- Poquessing Creek Trail (not an official Circuit Trail)
- Yellow Springs Trail (Valley Forge) (not an official Circuit Trail)
- Destination Peace Valley Trail (not an official Circuit Trail)
Five Groundbreakings
- Manayunk Bridge
- ECG- Baxter Trail
- Pennypack N/S Extension
- Sullivan's Bridge
- Schuylkill River Trail West (not an official Circuit trail)
Media Impressions
Number of Viewers/Readers Reached:
89,776,236
**Huffington Post Viewership: 54,657,952**
Estimated Advertising Value:
$349,257.10
**Does not include Huffington Post advertising value**
*All readership, unique viewers and advertising equivalency numbers are estimates based on the best available data
Major Messages
- As the trail network grows, small businesses are benefitting
- Key assets in the Circuit are being completed
- Collaboration leads to progress in trail development
- Philadelphia is one of the most accessible cities for cyclists
- The Circuit will make Philadelphia a world-class city for trail access
- Funding is key for further trail development
Media Placements:
- Since June, 47 different outlets covered stories
- More than 16 TV segments
- An impressive 8 Inquirer stories
- All 4 Major Philly news channels covered events
50 Miles in Progress
Circuit Trails in the 9 county region were awarded $13.2 million in federal, state and local funding.
400 Miles to Go
We expect the following trails in the coming years to open:
2015:
- Manayunk Bridge
- Bartram’s Mile
- SRT in Phoenixville and along the tow path in Mont Clare
- Baxter Trail
- Pennypack between Welsh Road and Byberry Road (Bryn Athyn)
2016:
- Ben Franklin Bridge ramp,
- Chester Valley Trail in Montgomery County
- new bridge over the Schuylkill River at Valley Forge
PA awards grants to Circuit Trails
PennDOT's Multi-modal Fund
Philadelphia County
- Delaware River Waterfront Corporation – $200,000 for pedestrian and bicycle facility improvements on Spring Garden Street between Columbus Boulevard/North Delaware Avenue and 2nd Street to enhance mass transit access and leverage transit-oriented development.
- Schuylkill River Development Corporation – $1.7 million for Bartram's Mile, the extension of the Schuylkill River Trail, a multi-use commuter and recreational trail, along the west bank of the Schuylkill River from just south of Grays Ferry Avenue to 56th Street.
Montgomery County
- Upper Dublin Township – $2.9 million to reduce the width of part of Commerce Drive to allow the construction of a 10-foot wide trail to connect Pennsylvania and Delaware Avenues, allowing construction of .75 miles of a section of the Cross County Trail
Commonwealth Financing Authority's Greenways, Recreation & Trails Program
Philadelphia County
- Delaware River City Corporation - $150,000 for the K&T Trail
- Natural Lands Trust - $150,000 for the Friends Hospital Conservation Easement (Tacony Creek Trail)
Northhampton
- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc.- $217,375 for Lehigh Valley Trail Connectivty Project
Delaware
- Natural Lands Trust - $224,000 for the Darby Creek Greenway Addition
Chester
- East Goshen Township - $52,500 for the Paoli Pike Trail
Bucks
- Solebury Township - $110,000 for Solebury Route 202 Gateway Trail
Chester County Officials Cut the Ribbon on Phase 3 of the CV Trail
The wind and the rain did not dampen spirits at last week's ribbon cutting of of the Chester Valley Trail's phase 3 at Exton Park. County Commissioners, Bike Chester County, DCNR, West Whiteland Township and others were in attendence.
The new segment is only 3/4 mile long. But it connects the main trail to a long orphaned segment that stretches from Main St Exton to Iron Lake Rd and includes a pedestrian activated signalized crossing of Lincoln Highway (Business 30). As a result the trail has expanded to a length of 13 miles between Exton and King Of Prussia.
What makes the Chester Valley Trail so critical is that is in the County's main commercial corridor that is sandwiched between Route 202 and SEPTA's Paoli-Thorndale Line. As a result the trail provides a low stress non-motorized connection between the corridor's office complexes, retail establishments, residential developments and parks.
Chester County now is looking to expand further west. Design work to extend the tail up to the crossing of the Exton Bypass will begin next year. Meanwhile Montgomery County is part way through design for the four mile connection to the Schuylkill River Trail at the Norristown Transportation Center. Construction is expected to start in 2015. The Circuit Coalition will be hosting a walk through the future trail alignment on October 18. Bring your camera to take some before shots so you can brag that you walked it first.
PennDOT Accepting Applications for the 2015-2016 Multi-Modal Fund. But Hurry!
DCNR To Hold Public Meeting on Rec. Plan
What does the future hold for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania? How will the state meet the demands of a growing and changing population, while maintaining and improving a vast and varied recreation infrastructure?
The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and partners is in the process of updating Pennsylvania’s five-year outdoor recreation plan, and would like to hear what you think about the draft recommendations contained in the plan. Are we addressing your top recreation concerns and wishes? The feedback of those who live and work in urban areas is of particular importance in the development and implementation of the plan.
Please join representatives from DCNR for a public open house hosted by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society on Tuesday, October 7, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the PHS Town Hall , 100 North 20th Street, first floor.
Stop by at 5 p.m. for some refreshments and a tour of the new PHS offices. DCNR will give a brief overview of the recreation plan at 5:30, and then invites you to visit five “priority stations” where you can learn more and provide your feedback.
Feel free to share this invitation with your staff, colleagues, board or members, as well as friends and family members of all ages. The more proponents of outdoor recreation that express their opinions, the better!
More information on the 2014-18 PA Outdoor Recreation Plan, including background and research findings, is available at www.paoutdoorrecplan.com.
The draft recommendations to be discussed at the public meeting will be posted on Oct. 6. Please RSVP by Friday, October 3rd.
Click here to register or call 215.988.1698.
Multi-Modal Fund Rountable Discussion May 22
The Transportation Management Agency of Chester County (TMACC) is hosting a Roundtable Discussion with PennDOT Representative Daivd Bratina on May 22nd from 7:30 to 9:30am to help inform interested applicants about the Multimodal Transportation Grant Fund. This is a terrific opportunity for municipalities, boroughs, counties, economic development organizations, non-profits and others about the fund's program guidelines. Don't miss this important opportunity to learn more about how to apply to this fund for biking, walking and trail projects. To register, go to http://goo.gl/rWiA0N
Come Celebrate Another New Circuit Section at the Chester Valley Trail Phase II Grand Opening
Four months after completion, the Chester Valley Board of Commissioners and the Friends of the Chester Valley Trail will be celebrating the Grand Opening of Phase II of the Chester Valley Trail on Monday, May 5th at 5 PM at 1055 Westlakes Drive in BerwynThe opneing will include a trail preview, remarks by the Chester County Commissioners and other guests, and an official ribbon cutting.
The trail now extends from the Valley Forge/King of Prussia area all the way to Exton. Future phases of the trail will continue to extend the trail eastwards towards Norristown and westwards towards Downington, providing a vital multi-use artery through the heart of Chester County.
If interested in attending, RSVP by Thursday, May 1st to the Chester County Commissioners Office ([email protected]; 610-344-6100)
See the attached flyer for more details.
Pennsylvania DCNR & CFA Announces $3.5 Million in Grants for Circuit Trails
Two announcements of grants for trails within the Circuit system were announced by PA's DCNR and the Commonwealth Financing Authority over the past several weeks. Congratulations to all!
Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants for 2013
The following grants advance Circuit trails.
Berks
Jim Thorpe Borough, $365,000, further development of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail, work to include construction of approximately 0.9 miles of trail along the east bank of the Lehigh River from the future pedestrian trail bridge
Bucks & Phila
Pennsylvania Environmental Council - Pennsylvania Environmental Council, $100,000, prepare a Trail Stewardship Plan for a 4-mile section of the East Coast Greenway from the mouth of the Poquessing Creek to the mouth of the Neshaminy Creek in Bensalem Township and Philadelphia City, work to include a written report. Patrick Starr, 215-545-4570.
Bensalem Township - $250,000 for the Bensalem Greenway (East Coast Greenway)
Righters Ferry Associates - $250,000 for the Pencoyd Bridge (Schuylkill River Trail)
Delaware River City Corporation - $250,000 for the Baxter Trail (East Coast Greenway)
Schuylkill River Developement Corporation - $225,000 for South to Christian St. Trail (Schuylkill River Trail)
Schuylkill River Development Corporation - $175,00 for Grays Ferry Crossing (Schuylkill River Trail)
Bucks County - $8,885 for the Lower Neshaminy Creek Greenway Trail Feasibility (East Coast Greenway)
Resolutions & Letters in Support of the Circuit Commitment Campaign
Three municipalities have passed resolutions in support of funding the Circuit! Wenonah Borough in Gloucester County, New Jersey, Haverford Township in Delaware County, PA and East Bradford Township in Chester County PA have each passed resolutions. A HUGE kudos and hats off to Scott Barnes (Wenonah) and Peter Puglionesi (Haverford) for doing the heavy lifting to get these resolutions through their commissions.
The Circuit Commitment campaign also received copies of letters of support from the Delaware County Transportation Management Agency, the YMCA of Burlington and Camden and Brandywine Realty Trust. Special thanks to Chuck Cruit (Delco) and Jake Gordon (Camden) and Joseph Syrnick (Philly) for securing these letters of support.
All of this supports helps make the case that the Circuit deserves a regional investment. We will be presenting these letters and resolutions to County Commissioners and Council members and Freeholders over the next few months as we meet with them to make the case for replenishing the Regional Trail Fund with $10 Million for a three year period.
October Events #onthecircuit
Circuit Ribbon Cutting Events
Lawrence Hopewell Trail - October 1st
Port Richmond Trail – October 29th
Circuit Trail Meetings
East-West Park Community Vision Meeting – October 2
Circuit Presentations
Tedx Phoenixville - October 5th
Kayak, Riverboat Tours & Movie Nights
Secrets of the Schuylkill Riverboat Tour (one hour) – October 5, 17, 19, 24
Schuylkill Riverboat Tour to Bartram's Garden (three hours) – October 6, 20
Rides & Runs & Walks
Cobbs Creek 5 K – October 12th
Historic Bristol Day & Bike Tour – October 19th
Get Your Tail on the Trail - October 26th
Workshops
Safe Crossings for Eastern Pennsylvania – October 2nd
Trail Tuesdays on Cynwyd Trail – October 22nd
DVRPC Approves $3.9 Million for Circuit Trails
On Thursday, September 26th, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Board approved 13 projects for funding from the final phase of the Regional Trail Program, which was created and funded by a $10 million grant from the William Penn Foundation.
The Regional Trail Program aims to provide funding for targeted, priority trail design, construction and planning projects that will promote a truly connected, regional network of multi-use trails (the Circuit) with Philadelphia and Camden as its hub.
Phase III of the program provided capital funding for trail design and construction projects. Approximately $4 million was available for Phase III grants. Individual grant awards are capped at $500,000 and all projects require a 20 percent match. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in March and 31 proposals were submitted by the deadline in mid-April. The proposals were evaluated by a Selection Committee composed of Foundation representatives, PennDOT and NJDOT, DVRPC staff, and regional trail funders and advocates.
Based on Committee review and subsequent follow-up, the following 13 projects were recommended for funding and approved on Thursday by the DVRPC Board.
- Kinkora Trail - Mansfield Community Park Connector – Burlington County, Department of Resource Conservation – Grant request: $500,000 Total project cost: $1,440,000
- Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway Bicycle and Pedestrian Ramp – DRPA – Grant request: $400,000 Total project cost: $3,600,000
- Lawrence Hopewell Trail Carter Road East and West – Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation – Grant request: $250,000 Total project cost: $625,000
- Route 13-Green Lane Trail Connector – Bucks County TMA – Grant request: $249,000 Total project cost: $917,679
- Neshaminy Creek Greenway Design and Engineering (Chalfont and New Britain) – Chalfont Borough – Grant request: $188,768 Total project cost: $235,960
- Phoenixville Schuylkill River Trail Phase 2 – Phoenixville Borough – Grant request: $365,000 Total project cost: $457,000
- Darby Creek Stream Valley Park Trail – Delaware County – Grant request: $500,000 Total project cost: $700,000
- Newtown Square Rail Trail (Haverford) – Haverford Township – Grant request: $340,000 Total project cost: $425,000
- Tookany Creek Trail - Phase III – Cheltenham Township – Grant request: $400,000 Total project cost: $500,000
- Lansdale Liberty Bell Trail – Lansdale Borough – Grant request: $160,840 Total project cost: $201,050
- Tacony/Holmesburg Gap Waterfront Trail Design and Engineering – DRCC – Grant request: $300,000 Total project cost: $500,000
- Manayunk Bridge Trail Construction Engineering Services – Philadelphia - MOTU – Grant request: $60,000 Total project cost: $3,060,000
- Cobbs Creek Connector Trail – Philadelphia Parks and Recreation – Grant request: $275,000 Total project cost: $595,000
Total grant request amount for all 13 Phase III projects is $3,988,608. The total match amount is $9,318,081 and the total cost of all the projects is $13,306,149.
Phase III represents the final amount of funding available from this program. Future funding depends on the DVRPC board. This is why the Circuit Coalition currently is running the Circuit Committment campaign, seeking a decision from the DVRPC Board to replenish the fund with $10 Milion over a three year period.
The Circuit Revolutionizes DVRPC's Long-Range Plan
A new plan adopted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) has big impliations for connecting The Circuit.
On July 30th the DVRPC Board adopted Connections 2040 Plan for Greater Philadelphia. Connections 2040 is the long-range plan for the future growth and development of the DVRPC region. The plan includes land use, environmental, economic competitiveness, and transportation strategies, and puts forth a vision for investing in our transportation system.
The DVRPC plan looks ahead 25 years, and by law it must update that plan every 5 years. A key component of these plans is the list of major regional projects, which are the plan's largest and most significant set of identified projects. To accommodate The Circuit DVRPC created a new sub-category called "major regional bicycle and pedestrian projects." According to the plan there is enough funding available (based on current projections) to pay for about 75% of The Circuit by 2040 ($128M for PA and $99M for NJ).
The inclusion of The Circuit in this group of projects is a big win; the long-range plan has in effect set a target for investment. This makes the goals for the Circuit Committment campaign ($10M over the next 3 years) seem quite modest. But in reality most of the "shovel ready" trail projects are already in the pipeline for development. What is needed now is a big project design push to accellerate trail development over the next decade.
Schuylkill River Trail Rises From The Ashes In Phoenixville
The Borough of Phoenixvile is currently constructing the one of the missing links to the Schuylkill River Trail. The current phase extends about one mile along the north side of French Creek from the Phoenix Iron Column Bridge adjacent to the Foundry up to High Street. The trail will be packed gravel and the project should be completed by the fall.
Most of the project is on the perimeter of the former site of the Phoenix Iron Works which closed in 1984.
An application for the next phase has been submitted for the Regional Trails Fund. If selected the money will be available to complete the trail in Phoenixville, connecting the completed Chester County section at the Cromby trailhead with the with the Route 29 Bridge over the Schuylkill River at Mont Clare.
