PennDOT is working closely with representatives of local trails groups to consider the needs of local trail users. Local trails groups and local public officials emphasized the economic importance and the growing popularity of Rails-to-Trails and walking/hiking facilities throughout the region.

Federal transportation legislation and the FHWA require state governments to consider intermodal transportation facilities in highway projects where practical to accommodate alternative forms of transportation. PennDOT is working with local trail organizers and public officials to incorporate feasible and prudent trail facilities into the project design. PennDOT plans to incorporate a combination sidewalk/bike path onto the rehabilitated Freeport Bridge to help connect the Butler Freeport Community Trail and Rachel Carson Trail in Butler and Armstrong counties to the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail and Baker Trail in Westmoreland County.

If you would like more information on the trails, please go to the following websites:
www.butlerfreeporttrail.org
www.dcnr.state.pa.us/railtrails
www.rachelcarsontrails.org