Schuylkill River Trail Connector to the Route 422 Bridge
UPDATE FALL 2025
Q: What is the current status of the SRT 422 Connector project?
Construction of the Schuylkill River Trail Connector to the Route 422 bridge is currently on hold while we finalize utility clearances and respect environmental considerations, as described below. Construction is scheduled to begin when site conditions permit, likely in February/March 2026. It is critical that we begin construction knowing that we addressed all of the known conditions and restrictions, and we appreciate your patience during this time.
Due to its proximity to the Schuylkill River and adjacent wetlands, the site is designated as red-bellied cooter (turtle) nesting area by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PAFBC). PAFBC regulations prohibit activity that would disturb the turtle’s nesting habitat between April 15 and October 15. This restraint, in combination with construction limitations posed by winter weather, restricts when our contractor should mobilize.
The second factor affecting our construction schedule is the presence of fiber optic/utility lines that must be relocated from their current location to poles on Industrial Highway. Until these lines are relocated, there is not enough clearance for equipment to access the site. The utility owner—Verizon—is responsible for moving their lines, and based on coordination with Verizon, we anticipate that these lines will be moved by the end of 2025.
We are anxious to get this project into construction as soon as conditions permit so the turtle exclusion fencing can be installed prior to next April 15, when the turtle restriction period resumes. Once the barriers are in place, work can continue through the summer. Barring any unexpected delays, we anticipate that the trail will be open in August/September 2026.
We will provide an update in early 2026 once the final construction schedule has been determined.
Q: Is it possible to create a temporary detour to permit access to the Route 422 bridge from Armand Hammer Boulevard?
Unfortunately, no. This is not a viable option. The area adjacent to the Armand Hammer eastbound off-ramp is PennDOT right-of-way. The area on the protected side of the guardrail is secured by a gate owned by PennDOT, and public access is prohibited. PennDOT will not permit pedestrian/bicycle access on the ramp itself to avoid a conflict with vehicles exiting the highway. With public safety always being the top consideration and the planned impending construction start in approximately 6 months, a detour is not practical or feasible.
UPDATED MAP HERE
Project Description
Route 422 Connector Map
Crossing Detail Map
Trailhead Map
Overall Map
