A Trail from Bridgeton to Philadelphia - How Do We Do It?

Imagine a multi-use trail that spans 3 counties in South Jersey. One that could connect with the East Coast Greenway and Southeastern Pennsylvania's enormous Schuylkill River Trail network on one end and a network of trails to the beaches of Ocean City on the other

There is a rail alignment that could accomplish this, or not. From Bridgeton to Glassboro the alignment is known as the Bridgeton Secondary - an abandoned rail right of way that only requires prioritization and funding from Cumberland and Gloucester Counties. From Glassboro on north the story is totally different, the proposed Camden to Glassboro Light Rail Line has already gone through a scoping study and a rail with trail concept was not considered. However Delaware River Port Authority has just set aside money (as a loan to NJ TRANSIT) for the important Environmental Impact Study (EIS), and will offer a chance for citizens and other interested parties to include a trail along the rail alignment or elsewhere along the corridor. Currently the EIS is in its early stages and the public comment period may not be announced for some time. Check periodically with this blog or go to http://glassborocamdenline.com.

The last leg between Camden and Philadelphia is becoming a reality. Construction on new segments of the Camden GreenWay will begin in March. Meanwhile the DRPA has posted its Request For Qualifications for the design of the Ben Franklin Bridge Walkway Ramp, which when completed in 2014 will replace the 3 story stair tower with an ADA accessible ramp.

The vision for the trail