2015 was a big year for the Circuit Trails, a 750-mile network of pedestrian and bike paths in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In Pennsylvania alone there were 238.15 existing trails, while New Jersey had 71.47. Now, the Circuit Trails reports in their 2015 Annual Report that there are more than 15 miles planned to open in 2016 and the next few years, further connecting folks to other parts of Philadelphia and beyond. Here are the 14 specific trails in the works, with many of them opening just in time for the summer.
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Map: 14 New Circuit Trails Planned for Philly and Beyond
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Baxter Trail
The Baxter Trail will connect the Pennypack Trail to the existing bike lanes on State Road. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to travel among man-made environments and natural habitats and have easier access to the Delaware River. It's expected to be complete in Spring 2016.
Total Mileage: 1.8 miles
Cobbs Creek Segment A
This segment will extend the Cobbs Creek Bicycle Path. When complete, it will total 5.5 miles and connect pedestrians and cyclists from 63rd and Market Street in Philadelphia, to Route 420 in Tinicum Township. West Philly will also be connected through various boroughs all the way to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, the Delaware River, and Cobbs and Darby Creeks.
Total Mileage::1 mile
SRT: South to Christian Street
The SRT will connect South to Christian Street and run along the Schuylkill River.
Total mileage:.3 miles
Bartram's Mile
After breaking ground last fall, Bartram's Mile is scheduled to open this summer. The mile stretch of trail will ultimately be the first segment of the west bank of the Schuylkill River.
Total mileage: 1.25 miles
Pennypack Trail
It's short but important: This addition will connect the Pennypack Trail to Frankford Avenue.
Total Mileage: .5 miles
Tyburn Road Underpass
This is can be a confusing spot for pedestrians and cyclists. The short trail will help fix that.
Total Mileage: .2 miles
Chester Creek Trail Phase 1
Chester Creek Trail will run along Chester Creek along the Civil War-era Chester Creek Branch line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Construction for the trail began in May of 2015 and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2016. When complete, the Delaware County will serve as a commuting and recreational trail.
Total Mileage: 2.8 miles
Marcus Hook ECG
Just on the edge of Pennsylvania and Delaware in Delaware County, Marcus Hook will now be connected to other trails via the East Coast Greenway network.
Tinicum Route 291 ECG
SRT – Keystone Blvd to Lower Pottsgrove Phase 1
This addition will extend the current Keystone Boulevard Trail along Manatawny Creek.
Total Mileage: 1.5 miles
Sullivan’s Bridge (formerly Betzwood Bridge)
When this 14-wide bridge is complete this spring, it'll connect the Schuylkill River Trail with Valley Forge National Historical Park. It will replace Betzwood Bridge, a 3-foot-wide boardwalk-style walkway bolted onto the side of the Route 422 bridge.
Total Mileage: .5 miles
Tookany Creek Park
This short trail addition will be located in the Cheltenham Township. You might also know it as Tacony Creek or Frankford Creek.
Total Mileage: .5 miles
Kinkora Trail
This trail—expected to open this spring—will run from Mansfield Community Park to Springfield Veteran’s Memorial Park segment and will be part of a 13-mile trail. It will include a 10-foot-wide asphalt, shared-use path that will run through two preserved farms. Bicyclists will be able to connect to Springfield’s Veteran’s Memorial Park via shared lanes on Skunk Island Road.
Total Mileage: 3 miles
Lawrence-Hopewell Trail – Carter Road Section
There are 24 sections of the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail. This multipurpose, paved, stone dust segment of the Lawrence Hopewell trail will extend for two miles from Pennington-Rocky Hill Road to Cleveland Road. It's expected to be complete in July 2016.
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