SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — South Jersey could soon expand its trail network. According to an independent feasibility study, there’s room to add up to 50 more miles of connected trails in Burlington County.
The Southern Regional Trails Feasibility Report determined there’s space for more connected trails across several towns in southern and central Burlington County, including Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Maple Shade, Evesham, Medford, Tabernacle, Southampton and Shamong.
“They have trails on their own parks, but they don’t have county trails that are connected into a system,” explained county Commissioner Allison Eckel.
She said those trail connections are important to ensure people who want to travel between towns without a car can do so.
“Access to safe spaces to get out and move around and enjoy nature is essential to public health,” she said.
The feasibility study was conducted to find what’s possible, so it’s not a guarantee that 50 miles will be added to the county trail network. Eckel said many unanswered questions remain.
“What kind of timeline are we talking about? What parts are going to be accessible? What parts are going to be on land on existing roadways? What parts can we do quickly? What parts are going to take multiple years? Where can we find the funding? There are a lot more things to consider here.”
Eckel noted some parts of the trail network can be expanded rather simply by just adding some signage, so that’s likely the first step.