The Schuylkill River Heritage Area is seeking to install a pedestrian bridge along the Schuylkill River Trail to carry trail users over a dangerous crossing at Route 724 in Monocacy.
Proposed bridge options will be presented to township supervisors at a meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 21 in the Union Township building, located at 1445 E. Main Street in Douglassville.
Bob Folwell, Trails Manager for the Schuylkill River Heritage Area, will present three options for a proposed bridge with various lengths and materials. The options were prepared by Wilson Consulting Group engineers, who conducted a feasibility study for the site, in conjunction with a steering committee made up of township and Heritage Area officials and members of the public.
A pedestrian bridge is needed at that location in order to ensure a safe crossing for trail users. The crossing is located in Monocacy along the Thun Section of the Schuylkill River Trail, and is part of the 20 mile Pottstown to Reading stretch.
Currently, trail users must negotiate a steep slope on either side of Route 724 in order to cross the road. The slope was created by a former railroad bridge that was removed before that section of the Schuylkill River Trail was built along an old railroad bed.
The Schuylkill River Trail is a multi-use trail that, when complete, will run an estimated 130 miles along the entire length of the river. There are currently more than 60 miles complete, including a section of over 30 miles stretching from Philadelphia to Phoenixville. That section will connect with the Pottstown to Reading section in the next several years.
As the trail grows, its popularity will also increase, leading to an even greater need for a safer trail crossing along Route 724.
The Schuylkill River Heritage Area operates the Schuylkill River Trail in Berks and Schuylkill Counties, and works with partners to expand and improve the entire trail. Learn more at www.schuylkillriver.org.
