PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation today announced the Wissahickon Valley Park’s four bike bridges will close for a major renovation project.

Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, March 1, cyclists and pedestrians will not be able to use the trail to connect from Forbidden Drive to Ridge Avenue. A suggested detour route is available here. The detour route will be posted along the trail for use by commuters and recreational hikers and cyclists.

“This year our trails have become more popular than ever before,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell. “Philadelphia’s 184 miles of trails have been there for residents during the pandemic, and we are committed to ensuring they remain safe, well maintained, and accessible to all. This short term closure will deliver long term enjoyment for generations of commuters, hikers, and cyclists.”

After over 40 years of heavy use, the trail bridges that connect the north west areas of the city with Kelly Drive and the Schuylkill River Trail are nearing the end of their lifespan. To ensure safety, the bridges will undergo a complete restoration and resurfacing. The project will introduce anti-slip surfacing on the trail bridges for the first time.

The $1.2 million investment in Philadelphia’s trail network is funded by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Construction is expected to last 9-12 months. During construction, the bridges will be closed to the public. Access to the “Ten Box” parking lot at Forbidden Drive and Lincoln Drive will be restricted.

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation prioritizes the safety of trail users and thanks them for their patience while this important infrastructure project is completed.

A detour map is available here: https://www.phila.gov/documents/capital-projects/

For updates, visit www.phila.gov/parksandrecreation or follow @PhilaParkandRec on Twitter.