PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Friends of the Wissahickon are celebrating the completion of a bridge nearly 20 years in the making — and just in time for the group's 100th anniversary.
Ruffian Tittmann, executive director of the nonprofit conservancy, says building bridges isn’t always easy, but Lida Way Bridge was worth all the effort.
The labor of love is part of the $3.5 million Valley Green Run Restoration and Pedestrian Bridge Project, which serves many purposes, communal and environmental.
“The trail collapsed 20 years ago, and we built a small wooden foot bridge that collapsed 10 years ago,” said Tittmann.
The project recreates the Valley Green Run streambank, which collapsed in 2014, and stabilizes the stream channel, and restores pedestrian access to the most-visited area of Wissahickon Valley Park.
Tittmann enumerates the benefits: “Getting pedestrians back off the road, making it safer for pedestrians and drivers at the same time; restoring the tributary to the Wissahickon Creek, preventing sediment entering into our drinking water.”
The project’s combination of environmental conservation and visitor accessibility is something that Sheryl, who lives nearby, says is necessary.
“I’m especially moved that it’s accessible, and folks in wheelchairs can come out and see this,” she said.
And in preventing further erosion of the Valley Green Run streambank, it keeps sediment from polluting Wissahickon Creek, which provides drinking water for ⅓ of all Philadelphians.
More than 2 million people visit the park annually and nearly 1,000 people visit each day.
And completion of the bridge comes just in time for a celebration.
“We’re really excited. It’s our 100th anniversary, and it’s a great way to close out our celebrations,” said Clair, a volunteer with the nonprofit.
“It’s terrific. It’s a great replacement,” said Jim Walker, another volunteer.