Land Revitalization Success Stories | EPA 560-F-16-173
November 2016
Planning for Sustainable Brownfield Redevelopment
CONVERTING A RAIL TRESTLE TO A VIBRANT BIKE TRAIL
EASTON. PENNSYLVANIA AND PHiLUPSBURG.. NEW JERSEY. EPA REGION 8
The cities of Easton, Pennsylvania, and Phillipsburg, New Jersey, are on
opposing banks of the Delaware River. With miles of river and historic canal
frontages, both communities are undertaking major initiatives to embrace their
waterfronts. Although both cities lie along major regional and historic trails, no
major trail connection spanning the Delaware River currently exists.
Two abandoned railroad trestle bridges—both designated brownfields—provide
an opportunity to create an extraordinary trail connection that could provide a
unique recreation experience for both communities. This "Highline" type trail could
be a game-changer for the region.
Local support for the project began with the efforts of the Lehigh Valley Economic
Development Corporation (LVEDC). The LVEDC facilitated dialogue among the
two city governments, other local development agencies, and EPA's Land
Revitalization Team, The main project objective was to gauge the feasibility of
repurposing the two trestle bridges as part of a future trail installation. The new
trail corridor would provide dynamic public amenities along with easy access for
citizens to the regional trail network,
The Land Revitalization Team provided design services in creating a master plan
for the future trail and other public open spaces, A general-level field structural
assessment was performed to determine if there were any issues with existing
trestle structures or the rail alignment that would preclude the proposed facilities.
The Team also was tasked with developing an innovative and cost-effective
solution to accommodate a future trail crossing of an active rail line,
Representatives from the two communities contributed insights and ideas
throughout the design development process to ensure that the project master plan
would meet local needs.
The Land Revitalization Team developed a series of base maps indicating existing
physical conditions of the project site and adjacent areas, During a site visit in
June 2016, the Team gathered valuable in-field data concerning project
opportunities and constraints. Based on this information, the trail master plan
includes: active open spaces I trailheads on both the Easton and Phillipsburg ends
of the proposed corridor; overlooks at key viewing points; a plaza space on one of
the existing trestles; a ramp leading to the active rail line crossing in addition to an
elevator and stairs to address the grade change on the opposite side; and
suggested locations for public art installations.
EPA's Land Revitalization Team provided the communities with a Summary
Document that details the master plan and an implementation roadmap, This will
be used by the two communities and the LVEDC to facilitate discussions with local
and regional stakeholders as well as the public. A project leadership group will be
established to help create a plan for project funding as well as a plan for long-term
operation and maintenance of future facilities. This group also will lead negotiating
efforts with the associated railroad companies to ensure effective implementation.
Figure 1: Master Plan of the West Section of the
Proposed Trail Corridor.
Figure 2: Rendering of Proposed Trail, Overlook and
Trestle Plaza
LESSONS LEARNED
•	Abandoned infrastructure and
brownfields can provide unique
opportunities to enhance a community's
quality of life.
•	Collaboration between two city
governments can be more efficient when
working to develop a shared community
amenity and when using a coordinated
approach to programming and design.
PLANNED POST-TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
ACTIVITIES
•	Create a group of city and development
agency representatives to develop
funding, operational, and maintenance
plans for the proposed project,
•	Present the concept plan to local and
regional stakeholders as well as the
public to build support.
•	Engage and negotiate with the
associated railroads to ensure effective
plan implementation.
For more information, please contact Christopher Thomas, EPA Region 3, at thomas.christopher@epa.qov.

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