PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell today announced the start of an improvement project to the Manayunk Bridge Trail. The project will improve access and make the trail bridge safer and more welcoming.
Since opening in 2015, the Manayunk Bridge trail has provided a key connection between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township. Currently, the trail is only open during daylight hours (8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. from April to November and 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. over the winter months). Once the project is complete, the public will be able to access the trail 24 hours a day year-round, with no daily gate closures.
Lighting and security cameras will ensure a safe public amenity for all, including both commuters and recreational users. In addition, the iconic bridge will now be lit at night, enhancing the aesthetics of the Manayunk neighborhood.
“As residents look to get outdoors and use more sustainable transportation methods, our trail system has become more popular than ever before,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Philadelphia’s 184 miles of trails connect us to nature and each other. We are excited to make investments that ensure our trail network is safe, well maintained, and accessible to all.”
The $1.5-million project is being funded by the City of Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in partnership with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Manayunk Development Corporation, and Lower Merion Township. Miller Brothers Electrical Contractors serve as lead contractors for the project.
The project includes construction of pedestrian lighting, and security camera installation for the existing Manayunk Bridge Trail. The investment furthers Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s commitment to ensuring welcoming, safe, and accessible public spaces for all Philadelphians.
Construction is expected to begin this month. The new lighting is expected to be completed in early 2022. The bridge trail is expected to remain open during construction.
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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through stewardship of nearly 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, and management of 500 recreation buildings, 166 miles of trail, and 250 playgrounds. PPR offers safe, enjoyable recreation, environmental and cultural programs and events throughout Philadelphia’s parks and recreation system. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the city’s residents by connecting them to the natural world, to each other and to fun, physical and social opportunities. In 2017, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell, set about implementing the park system’s first strategic plan: Our Path to 2020 and Beyond. As a result, PPR is undertaking a period of historic change, setting the department on a course to become a modern, equitable and exceptional parks and recreation system. Visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.