PHILADELPHIA – The Martin Luther King Trail reconstruction project will modernize and enhance the safety of the four-mile-long multi-use trail located in West Fairmount Park. The trail stretches from Falls Bridge to Martin Luther King Drive Bridge. The trail is relied upon heavily by residents for commuting and recreational activities like walking, running, biking, and hiking.
“The Martin Luther King Trail in West Fairmount Park is one of the most well-used, and well-loved, trails in Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Parks & Rec is excited to be well on the way to delivering a wider, safer, more accessible trail for Philadelphians to enjoy in 2021 and beyond.”
The trail was built over 50 years ago and requires significant rehabilitation due to its age, outmoded construction, tree root damage, poor drainage, insufficient width in key locations, and poor bike ramp design at some locations.
The rehabilitation project began in January 2021 and is expected to be completed this spring. Upon completion the Martin Luther King Trail will feature the following upgrades:
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New safety and directional signage and on-trail pavement markings.
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Modernized and upgraded crossings from access roads, improved crosswalks, and ADA accessible ramps.
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Increased trail width (from 8-10′ wide to 10-12′) which will allow for safer usage and passage.
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Trail design that will avoid conflict with existing tree roots, minimizing and/or eliminating future tree root damage to the trail and providing a safe, smooth surface.
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Clearer paths due to the removal of dead and damaged trees which will help make the trail and surrounding park safer.
New modern drainage systems installed at key locations, including the Girard Avenue Bridge underpass.
The $1.4 million project is funded by the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Trails Fund, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Gessler Construction is the project contractor and NV5 is the project design engineer.
The City will provide an update later this year on the Martin Luther King Jr. Drive resurfacing project in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Martin Luther King Jr. Drive will continue to remain closed to vehicles to allow the City to conduct such work until further notice.