Coke and Coal Trail Chapter Fights to Improve Biking
Trail
For some months now, the redesign of the Memorial Bridge
in Connellsville has been a concern for the Coal and Coke
Recreation Trail committee in Scottdale.
The work of the committee is to help create local hiking and
bicycling opportunities, including the establishment of a
linkage between Scottdale and Connellsville. Adding a
pedestrian corridor to the Memorial Bridge in Connellsville
would greatly enhance their goal of connecting the bike
trail in Scottdale to the Yough River Trail in
Connellsville.
On January 24th, State Senator Bob Regola informed Robert
Ferguson, committee member and owner of Ferguson Funeral
Home in Scottdale, that the PA Department of Transportation
would now include a bike/pedestrian corridor in the design
for the memorial bridge.
Because expansion of a bikeway on State Route 119 cannot use
Federal bridge funds, a meeting to discuss procedures and
funding opportunities was held on February 6th in PENNDOT's
District 12 office. On that date representatives from
various municipalities, trail chapters, and elected
officials met with PENNDOT to discuss the project.
Design, safety, and funding aspects were discussed and an
advisory committee was formed to work on the project along
with PENNDOT. Thousands of bike and hike enthusiasts
will eventually enjoy the opportunity to travel from one
county to the other by means of this route.
To learn how you can support the Coke & Coal Trail efforts,
contact Rob Ferguson at 724-887-5300.