Building on the momentum of the Cynwyd Trail in Lower Merion Township (currently under construction), we were hired as a part of a team led by Whitman Requardt & Associates to design the trail segment over the historic Manayunk Bridge into Philadelphia. Owned by SEPTA, the Manayunk Bridge is a visible marker and, once open to the public, will serve as a critical connection between communities on both sides of the River. In a narrow span of less than 32′ the intent is to re-purpose the bridge for multi-use trails including active and passive uses while working within the constraints of the necessary regulatory guidelines required by SEPTA, PennDOT and other agencies for safety and maintenance. The funding for the project requires that implementation of the trail be completed by 2013. Future phases will focus on the Ivy Ridge Trail creating an integrated trail network that will have a transformative impact on both Manayunk and Lower Merion.
Given the nature of the project, a whole host of agencies have banded together to make this happen including Manyunk Development Corporation, Lower Merion Township, SEPTA, the City of Philadelphia (notably the Streets Department and Department of Parks and Recreation), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, DVRPC, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.
