The trail at Locust Street cannot be extended southward on land, because the land between the railroad tracks and the river becomes too narrow. Schuylkill River Development Corporation and the City of Philadelphia are working to install a 2,000 foot long concrete structure running parallel to the eastern shore of the river from Locust Street to the new stairtower on the south side of the South Street Bridge. A 460’ long ramp will be built on the north side of the new South Street Bridge, linking to the boardwalk to provide ADA access and an easier connection for people with bicycles.

The ramp and boardwalk will be designed to accommodate emergency and maintenance vehicles. The boardwalk’s 15’ wide pathway will be supplemented by four widened overlooks that will allow people to rest enjoy the views along the boardwalk without blocking the trail. This project will provide an important link to the Schuylkill River Trail and Center City from South Philadelphia, University City and West Philadelphia.

The Boardwalk has received federal stimulus funding through the Transportation Improvements Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program. The project is currently on the fast-track to completion in 2014.

Learn more about the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk at http://www.schuylkillbanks.org.