Parkside cynwyd trail extension

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded a Formula Grant of $411,000 on June 16, 2025, under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the Parkside Cynwyd Trail Extension project. The grant funds the construction of a shared multi-use path approximately 0.5 miles in length, connecting the existing Cynwyd Heritage Trail at the SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) Cynwyd Station southward to the SEPTA Bala Station in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The project deliverables include an 8-10 foot wide pervious paved path with trailhead connections at each terminus, a 4-foot high grounded protective fence separating the path from the active SEPTA rail line, a 250-foot concrete retaining wall, stormwater and swale installations, and associated miscellaneous construction.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, as the direct grant recipient, administers the project in partnership with the Township of Lower Merion, which serves as the sub-grantee responsible for the multiuse trail component. The project supports the FHWA's transportation infrastructure improvement objectives by advancing active transportation connectivity and multimodal network development, consistent with the Highway Planning and Construction program's eligibility for bicycle and pedestrian projects and transportation enhancement activities under current federal-aid highway program guidelines.

Project description

This project is for the construction of a shared multi-use path approximately 0.5 miles in length, beginning at the termination of the existing cynwyd heritage trail at the septa cynwyd station, and extending south to the septa bala station. The project includes the installation of an 8'-10' wide pervious paved path with trail head connections at each end, a 4' high grounded protective fence to separate the path from the active septa rail line, a 250' concrete retaining wall, stormwater and swale installation, and other miscellaneous construction, as indicated on the approved drawings included in the bid package for state route 0000, section CTE, in montgomery county lower merion township.