A Trails Group Coordination Meeting was held on Monday, March 17, 2008 between PennDOT District 10-0 and 12-0 officials and local trails group representatives. PennDOT officials and engineering consultants presented the project design with route connectivity and typical section options to connect existing trails on both sides of the Allegheny River. Trails group representatives provided valuable input into the proposed design. The following is a summary of the meeting discussion:

• PennDOT officials will examine the truss portion of the Freeport Bridge (over the Allegheny River) in order to increase the proposed shared use sidewalk/bike path to a 6’-6” (minimum) or greater width. If the 6’-6” minimum width can be achieved, then trails groups pledged to support the project design. Trails group representatives and PennDOT engineers made a number of recommendations which will be examined to try to achieve the desired width. The new approach spans from both ends to the main truss will include an 8’-0” path width.

• The trails group representatives expressed their support for Trail Alternative A. Trail Alternative A places the shared use sidewalk/bike path on the downstream side of the Freeport Bridge (over the Allegheny River). The path will follow Coal Street a short distance before separating onto its own alignment and underneath the new bridge. The trail path will then follow the new S.R. 0356 alignment to Laneville with access to Freeport Borough provided across the new Buffalo Creek Bridge. Trail Alternative B using Coal Street was considered too steep, but could be considered by trails groups in the future.

• The existing Laneville Bridge structure, abutments and piers are deteriorating, and will require about $700,000 in immediate repairs to keep open to pedestrian traffic. Immediate and future maintenance costs will not be paid for by PennDOT. PennDOT will not retain ownership of this bridge.

• The Butler Freeport Trail will connect to the new State Route 356 roadway with one of several possible options utilizing Main Street and Old Pike Street through Laneville.

• Trail representative input into the roadway section of the new Buffalo Creek bridge crossing was provided to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists.

• PennDOT will utilize topple-free railings and other safety features and will examine concrete barrier alternatives where possible.

Updated drawings from the Trails Group Coordination Meeting are posted below. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact PennDOT District 10-0 or District 12-0 through the information on the Contacts page.