$400K Grant to Restore Railroad Bridge for Trail

The railroad trestle bridge over the Schuylkill River between Royersford and Spring City requires extensive work before it can be opened to pedestrian traffic.

The effort to restore a former railroad bridge into a link between Royersford and the Schuylkill River Trail has received a $428,000 boost from the state.

The investments are among 41 grants supported by the Keystone and Environmental Stewardship funds, ATV and Snowmobile restricted accounts and federal Pennsylvania Recreational Trails funds awarded statewide, announced last week. 

This year's disbursements total approximately $7.6 million for trail projects including planning, construction and rehabilitation, as well as for ATVs and snowmobiles.

The funds allotted to Royersford Borough are to be used for the development of the Schuylkill River Trail, including rehabilitation of the Royersford Trestle Bridge, ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.

“This funding for the joining of our twin boroughs [Spring City and Royersford] with a rehabilitated trestle bridge is another great step toward waterfront revitalization and bringing the towns together,” state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-146th Dist., said in an announcement from his office.

“Greater walkability and bike access will improve connections for residents of both boroughs to recreational trails, schools, small businesses and grocery stores, while highlighting the historic industrial link that the trestle bridge once provided," he said.

“I’m glad to see this project gaining more momentum,” state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-157th Dist. said in a statement issued by her office.

“Restoring this trail creates a great outdoor recreation opportunity for community members, and I’m pleased that this funding will help everyone of all abilities utilize it,” Shusterman said.

“Restoring the Royersford Trestle Bridge will make pedestrian and bicycle travel a safe, easy and appealing option between Royersford and the Borough of Spring City, just across the Schuylkill River,” state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-155th Dist., said in a statement issued by her office.

“This expands opportunities for business and community while providing us with a new way to enjoy our beautiful surroundings, Friel Otten said. "Strengthening ADA access ensures that all residents will be able to benefit from this project.”

 

Rehabilitation of the Royersford Trestle Bridge, which connects walkers, runners and bikers on the Schuylkill River Trail from Royersford to Spring City, has been ongoing.

Nearly a year ago, a $1 million grant for restoration of the 1919 railroad trestle bridge was announced.

The bridge is approximately 1,020 feet long and requires extensive repairs. The total project cost was estimated at the time to be $1.4 million.

“Completion of this trestle project will mean increased opportunity for leisure, recreation and tourism in our community,” Ciresi said. “Being able to restore a century-old railroad bridge not only keeps Royersford and Spring City connected, but it adds to the beauty of our region and the safety of the entire Schuylkill River Trail.”

In Pennsylvania, outdoor recreation generates $29.1 billion in consumer spending, $1.9 billion in state and local tax revenue, $8.6 billion in wages and salaries, and sustains 251,000 direct Pennsylvania jobs.