Forbidden Drive Closed Under Walnut Lane Bridge

A possible infrastructure fail on an historic bridge has closed one of the most important multi-use paths in the region. Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon Valley is closed under the Walnut Lane bridge at least until Monday and possibly indefinitely. This also applies to the adjacent natural surface trails


View Wissahickon Detour Routes in a larger map

Our suggested detour is via the Rittenhousetown path/access road and Kitchens Lane. The Blue Detour uses Wissahickon Ave while the longer green detour mostly avoids this narrow road. If the closure becomes a long term issue then the Bicycle Coalition will work with Department of Parks and Recreation and the Streets Department to post a detour.
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FORBIDDEN DRIVE AND TRAILS UNDER THE WALNUT LANE

BRIDGE CLOSED

The Streets Department and the Department of Parks and Recreation have closed Forbidden Drive and the parallel paths that pass under the Walnut Lane Bridge. The decision was made following a recent inspection of Walnut Lane Bridge that indicates architectural concrete may be falling from the bridge. The Streets Department’s investigation has not identified any imminent structural issues, so the bridge will remain open. The closure will remain in effect pending additional inspections, planned for the week of November 29.

During the duration of the closure recreational users can still use Forbidden Drive from Lincoln Drive to the bridge or from Northwestern Ave to the bridge, but trail users will not be permitted to pass under the bridge. Those who are looking to travel “through” Forbidden Drive should seek alternate on-street routes, or consider accessing the street system at Bells Mill Road, Wises Mill Road, Green Lane, or Kitchens Lane.

The Streets Department and the Department of Parks and Recreation thanks the citizens in advance for their patience and cooperation during this closure.