Approximately half-mile long trail provides access to Pennypack Trail via former SEPTA rail line
PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with SEPTA and Montgomery County, today officially opened the City’s portion of the Fox Chase Lorimer Trail project with a ribbon cutting event.
The project included the construction of a 0.45-mile shared-use walking and bicycling trail, ranging from 8-feet to 10-feet in width, along the former SEPTA Fox Chase Rail Line’s Newtown Branch. The Fox Chase Lorimer Trail is part of Greater Philadelphia’s regional Circuit Trails Network.
“We are proud to announce the completion of the Fox Chase Lorimer Trail project, which will add more recreational space and provide a connection for more residents in the Northeast to access the Pennypack Trail,” said Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner, Department of Streets. “This project was made possible through intergovernmental collaboration and strong external partnerships. This trail will contribute to Mayor Parker’s vision of a cleaner, greener, and safer Philadelphia by creating more dedicated space for cyclists and pedestrians.”
The trail serves as an ADA-compliant off-road connection for pedestrians and cyclists to access the Pennypack Trail – which spans from Lorimer Park in Montgomery County to the mouth of Pennypack Creek on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. The approximately half-mile long trail begins at the Rhawn Street and Elberon Avenue intersection (near SEPTA’s Fox Chase Station) and connects with the Pennypack Trail at the Philadelphia/Montgomery County Line (near Blake Avenue). A small trail section in Montgomery County will be completed in Fall 2024.
“Increasing access to our parks for recreation and exercise is a priority for Parks and Recreation,” said Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “The Fox Chase Lorimer Trail now connects walkers, runners, and cyclists to the Pennypack Trail, located in Philadelphia in one of the city’s beautiful watershed parks.”
The City and SEPTA partnered during the planning and design phases of the project on an easement agreement to allow the construction of the shared-use trail along the path of the former rail line.
“Everyone benefits from access to free, accessible and safe places where they can walk, bike and be active in their neighborhoods,” said Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., SEPTA Board Chair. “I like to think that the benefits of trails to communities are similar to the benefits of public transportation—both connect people and communities and are vital for a sustainable environment and this project will only enhance our impressive park and trail system here in Montgomery County and beyond.”
Planning and construction of the trail were funded with federal grants made through the Transportation Community Development Initiative (TCDI) and Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program, both managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) District 6 and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC).
In addition, the project included traffic signal upgrades along Rhawn Street, construction of ADA curb ramps, and a sidewalk bump-out.