Manayunk and West Bank Rec Paths Advance

Manayunk and West Bank Rec Paths Advance

Word from the Streets Department and Capital Planning is that both of these projects are now out for bid.

The Manayunk Recreation Path has been broken into two pieces. Phase 1 is from Ridge Ave to Ten Box (PECO Substation?), phase two will make a connection to the towpath in Manayunk. Unfortunately environmental regs have forced the abandonment of using the existing bridge piers over Wissahickon Creek that would have taken cyclists away from the hazardous condition at Wiss. Transit Center.

West Bank Greenway phase 1 will run from Market St at 31st to the Amtrak Bridge before the Phila. Zoo. This project includes ramps from Spring Garden St Bridge down to West River Drive and a crosswalk to the bike path (A critical missing move) . That project was put up for bid this spring but the bid was rejected.

The Bidding process has a history of being the last obstacle before construction begins, a lawsuit from one bidder delayed the Schuylkill River Park construction nearly two years. Lets hope that by next spring the construction vehicles will be rolling on both projects.