Minor Work Leads to Major Success

MORRISVILLE, Pa. -- Bucks County roadway improvements in the spring typically involve filling pothl.es large and small, but a different kind of gap here was a big deal this time – a “major accomplishment” though it only included two ramps and a street crossing.

The result: completion of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail: Bridge Street Crossing, the final missing piece of the 75-mile path from Allentown to Bristol Borough.

“The new Bridge Street crossing is a major accomplishment for the Delaware & Lehigh Trail, Delaware Canal State Park and the downtown community in Morrisville,” said Claire W. Sadler, executive director, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. “What may appear to be a small road crossing, in reality, is a major connector.”

Added Morrisville Mayor Gary Wallace: “Having the connection will bring even more people to Morrisville. People can now enjoy continuous outdoor activities and stop onto Bridge Street for a nice break to walk our downtown and enjoy what Morrisville has to offer.”

The two ramps and street crossing make for an ADA-accessible crossing that had been impassable due to the bridge abutment at Bridge Street. The completed 75-mile trail is the ending stretch of the full 165-mile trail that begins in Wilkes-Barre. It follows the picturesque Lehigh County towpath until it reaches Easton where it turns and follows the Delaware Canal. From there it tracks through Bucks County to Morrisville and eventually ends at Bristol Borough.

Asphalt, crushed stone and dirt make up sections of the trail, with newer parts wheelchair accessible. The trail sees bicyclists of all ages, walkers, joggers, environmentalists, bird watchers, photographers and others.

The completed project officially was marked at a ceremony in Morrisville with representatives from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Environmental Council, state Transportation Department, The Circuit Trails, East Coast Greenway Alliance and Loftus Construction.

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A 75-mile trail has been fully completed.Photo byVivien VanyuronUnsplash