Greater Philadelphia Bicycle News

Delaware Canal News

From the Friends of the Delaware Canal Spring Newsletter

Here are things to look for:
* The gravel towpath trail surface will finally extend from Bristol to Easton this spring. The project was delayed because the river wall south of Easton was so unstable that it had to be rebuilt before the construction equipment could access the towpath.

* Hazzard's Bridge, south of Upper Black Eddy, is being repaired. The slight earthquake that hit last year dislodged the stone abutments of the bridge so they are being rebuilt. The Friends of the Delaware Canal are contributing $4000 to the project so that repairs can be made to the wooden camelback trusses at the same time. Hazzard's Bridge is one of the six remaining camelback bridges on the Delaware Canal that retains its authentic structure.

* The PA-NJ Canal Loop Trail signs are now installed in both the Delaware Canal State Park and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park. The directional signs are a fruit of a partnership project among the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the Friends of the Delaware Canal, and the two State Parks. They map how the PA and NJ canals are connected by six bridges over the Delaware River and describe the sights and amenities contained in the particular canal stretch north or south and across the river from where the sign is located. Park visitors can now have the information they need to make round trips rather back and forth treks.

* The seventeen benches that honor the Bucks County residents who perished in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 will all be in place by spring. Enjoy, rest, and reflect.

* A wider, safer trail is the result of the repair and rebuilding of the stone retaining wall that runs in front of the Waterworks in New Hope. The Bureau of State Parks contracted to have the work done last year because the towpath had become almost impassable.