arrow

News  |  May 01, 2018  |  Arora

South to Christian: The Extension of the Schuylkill River Trail

  • Schuylkill River Trail Gate

The Schuylkill River Development Corporation (SRDC), in collaboration with the City of Philadelphia and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), opened a new trail segment along the east bank of the Schuylkill River this past January. A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, April 20, 2018 for this exciting project, which extended the Schuylkill River Trail by 1,400 feet from South Street to Christian Street.

Mayor Jim Kenney kicked the day off by highlighting the importance and symbolism of extending the trail to more locations saying, “It’s about equity for all Philadelphians…[so they] feel integrated and part of our city… It’s all about showing people in every neighborhood that they matter. That there’s hope and equity in their lives, and that their government cares about them.” Kathryn Ott-Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, added that the trail is all about connecting neighborhoods and people of different backgrounds and walks of life, as well as getting out of our homes and enjoying the city.

Leslie Richards, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), also explained that the trail will be a significant commuter trail for the public and is part of an exciting push to invest in all forms of transportation. This extension is actually part of a larger plan to extend the Schuylkill River Trail to Southwest Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden, creating new public pathways to cross the river and giving residents more direct access to different neighborhoods that they’ve never had before.

The SRDC also discussed that they have made significant strides to ensure the public’s safety along the trail with the inclusion of cameras, mile markers, and sufficient lighting. Arora Engineers, Inc. was proud to provide electrical engineering, design, and construction administration services for the installation of a new service, electrical distribution, and the very important lighting for the trail extension.

LinkedIn twitter Facebook Email