Construction is now completed on improvements to the Manayunk Bridge Trail. New trail lighting and security upgrades were designed to enhance trail safety and provide 24 hour access.
Here’s what you need to know about the recently completed bridge trail upgrades.
Rails to trails
The historic railway bridge reopened as a multi-use path in 2015. Since then, it has attracted both recreational users and commuters. It is an important connection between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township.
Project scope and expanded access
Prior to the project’s completion, trail access was limited to daylight hours. It was open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m from April to November and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year.
The new lighting and security cameras:
- Allow the trail to remain safely open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Improve the aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Project timeline
Construction began in May 2021 and the project was completed last week.
Project partners
The improvements cost $1.5 million. The work is being paid for by the City of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The project is a partnership among:
- City of Philadelphia’s Parks & Recreation and Streets Department, with support from the Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability.
- Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
- Manayunk Development Corporation.
- Lower Merion Township.
Parks & Rec is committed to stewarding a high-quality urban trail network.
