TRAIL UPDATE: TWO MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS SLATED FOR 2012
The Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage Area (LHV) anticipates that two trail projects will begin construction in spring 2012: a two-mile section from South Scranton to Taylor, and a three-mile section from Jermyn to Archbald. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 4-0 will be the project manager for both initiatives. The projects have been in the planning and permitting phase for the last two years.
South Scranton to Taylor Trail Section
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) follows a two mile section of trail from Olive Street to Elm Street in South Scranton that includes the newest section of the trail, the Downtown Scranton Riverwalk. The South Scranton to Taylor trail project will extend the existing trail south for two miles on an abandoned rail bed next to the Lackawanna River from Elm Street in Scranton to Depot Street in Taylor Borough. This trail project will complete a contiguous seven mile trail from Taylor Borough through the City of Scranton.
Project Scope: Construction of two miles of trail with ADA access, landscaping, and installation of two trailheads with parking lots, signage, and amenities.
Status: This section of the LRHT is slated for construction in 2012. The master site plan, construction drawings, and environmental permitting were completed and reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in 2010. The project was reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in 2011. It is anticipated that bidding for construction will be advertised in the winter 2012, with construction of the trail section beginning in spring 2012.
Funding:
Lackawanna County / DCNR |
$ |
750,000 |
DCED - Local Share Account/Monroe County |
$ |
350,000 |
PENNDOT-Transportation Enhancements |
$ |
413,978 |
PROJECT TOTAL |
$ |
1,513,978 |
Jermyn to Archbald Trail Section
This trail project includes the construction of three miles of trail from Delaware Street in Jermyn Borough south to the Laurel Street Trailhead in Archbald Borough. It will complete an eight mile trail section that will connect eight municipalities in the Mid-Valley. This section is a critical link between the on-street portion of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Jermyn and the rail-trail section from Archbald to Blakely known as the Mid-Valley Trail.
Project Scope: Installation of a trailhead on Delaware Street, paving the access road to the Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority (LRBSA) treatment plant, construction of a crushed stone trail on an abandoned rail bed from the LRBSA plant to Gilmartin Street in Archbald, improvement of sidewalks and installation of signage on Gilmartin, Church, and Laurel Streets as the trail travels through the town, and installation of parking at Maslar Park and at the trailhead.
Status: The project’s master site plan, construction drawings, and environmental permitting were completed and reviewed by PennDOT in 2010. The project was reviewed by DEP in 2011. It is anticipated that bidding for construction will be advertised in the winter 2012, with construction of the trail section beginning in spring 2012.
Funding:
PennDOT – Transportation Enhancements |
$ |
173,823 |
PennDOT – PCTI |
$ |
459,009 |
Appalachian Regional Commission |
$ |
300,000 |
National Scenic Byways Program |
$ |
831,825 |
Redevelopment Assistance Capitol Program |
$ |
935,129 |
PROJECT TOTAL |
$ |
2,699,786 |
For More Information
Stephanie Milewski, RLA
Trail Manager and Environmental Program Officer
(570) 963-6730 ext. 8203
smilewski@LHVA.org
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