Region Celebrates Opening of Schuylkill River Trail-422 Trail Connector
Yesterday DVRPC joined state and local officials to celebrate the opening of the Schuylkill River Trail Connector to the Route 422 Bridge in Montgomery County. This new trail segment, nearly a mile in length, closes a critical gap in the regional trail network, creating a nearly 70-mile continuous trail connecting communities from Philadelphia to Reading. The Schuylkill River Trail is a part of the 850-mile Circuit Trails network.
“Trails are vital infrastructure, providing connections between neighborhoods, businesses, downtowns, schools, parks, and open spaces,” said DVRPC Executive Director Ariella Maron. “They provide safety in the form of fully separated, car-free facilities for people of all ages and abilities. Trails also provide pollution-free, active, and, quite frankly, rewarding ways to get from point A to point B. And trails promote economic development, connecting people to where they need to go to work, shop, recreate, or access services.”
Maron also acknowledged the regional collaboration and coordination needed to close this gap and emphasized DVRPC’s commitment to assisting partners throughout the region in the planning, design, and construction of trails. She was joined by DVRPC Board members Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija, Chester County Commissioner Joshua Maxwell, Delaware County Councilmember Elaine Schaefer, Pennsylvania Governor’s Policy Office Senior Regional Director Anthony Luker, and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet.
DVRPC provided funding for this project through the Regional Trails Program. Additional funding was provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Montgomery County. DVRPC’s commitment to making trails happen is part of our vision for the region’s transportation system—one that is safe and modern and fosters greater opportunities for all.