PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A section of the Schuylkill River Trail, frequented daily by thousands of walkers, runners and cyclists, will soon close for the next three months for a reconstruction project.
Work on the Chestnut Street Bridge has been underway since 2017, and PennDOT spokesperson Brad Rudolph said they have reached a point in the job where they must temporarily close the trail.
“That’s in order to repair a retaining wall there,” he explained. “It’s really a bulkhead up against the river, so it’s a pretty complex project.”
The contractor picked the winter months to conduct this part of the project, Rudolph said, hoping to reduce the impact on trail users.
“It’ll take about three months,” he said. “In the meantime, it’s going to be closed and trail users, unfortunately, are going to have to use Market Street and Walnut Street to get around.”
“I go out here almost every day to get my daily exercise,” said Paige, who lives in Center City, “so that will really put a wrench in my routine.”
“I come usually a couple times a week,” added runner Anish. “I mean, it’s not a big deal. I don’t like running in the city that much, but if it’s only a small section it’s probably fine.”
All other parts of the trail will remain open, including the South Street entry and exit points and the bridge at 25th and Spruce streets.
Trail-goers will have to follow posted detours to avoid the work zone.
Rudolph conceded that there have been unexpected delays in the $103.6 million bridge rehabilitation project. Crews hope to accelerate the work affecting the Schuylkill River Trail and potentially reopen it as early as the end of March.
Construction begins Monday, Feb. 15.