The ultimate goal is to connect Bucks County and Philadelphia with a running and biking trail.
"The goal is basically to connect residents of Bucks County into Montgomery County with the existing Pennypack trail. and then that trail obviously continues on into the city around the Fox Chase area," explained Paul Gordon, senior transportation planner for Bucks County's Planning Commission.
He said this portion of the trail runs from County Line Road to Bristol Road in Upper Southampton, along the former Newtown/Fox Chase Regional Rail line.
"Once completed, it would be about a 7 1/2-mile trail, the portion within Bucks County," he added. "Montgomery County is working on finishing their piece from Byberry Road to County Line road. So the two will join up at the same time, there on County Line Road."
According to Gordon, the design and engineering work are done. Now it's time for construction.
"To date, there's already been activity along the rail line because the rails had to be removed before construction could begin. But any construction on the trail itself through James Morrissey Inc. has not begun and won't begin until July 6."
Upper Southampton police recently reminded residents that the trail is NOT open to the public, since there are construction vehicles and machinery that pose safety concerns.
Gordon says the Newtown Rail Trail is expected to be complete by next summer.