Safety and lighting improvements on the Manayunk Bridge Trail will allow 24-hour access.

Construction is now underway on improvements to the Manayunk Bridge Trail. New trail lighting and security upgrades will enhance trail safety and access.

Here’s what you need to know about the bridge trail upgrades. 

Rails to trails

The historic railway bridge reopened as a multi-use path in 2015. Since then, it has attracted both recreational users and commuters. It is an important connection between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township.

Project scope and expanded access

Trail access is currently limited to daylight hours. It is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m from April to November and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year.

The new lighting and security cameras will:

  • Allow the trail to remain safely open 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • Improve the aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhoods.

Project timeline

Construction is expected to begin this month. The new lighting should be completed in summer 2022.

Construction closures

No closures are expected during this project.

Project partners 

The improvements will cost $1.5 million. The work is being paid for by the City of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The project is a partnership among:

  • City of Philadelphia.
  • Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
  • Manayunk Development Corporation.
  • Lower Merion Township.

Miller Brothers Electrical Contractors are the lead contractors for the project.

Check out Parks & Rec's trails web map.
Parks & Rec is committed to stewarding a high-quality urban trail network. View our options—from paved multi-use paths to soft-surface mountain biking trails.