Soon to become a Bucks County-owned park and community asset, the Newtown Rail Trail – more than a decade in the making – is one step closer to completion for area outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy biking, hiking and walking.
With project design complete the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Phase II permitting and public comment period is underway.
Before public funds through the Bucks County Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency can be released, a mandatory public comment period is required by law. Those interested in making public comments may do so via email to cpregosch(at)buckscounty.org or visit here.
The Newtown Rail Trail is constructed along a 1.8 mile extension into Northampton Township and includes five tax map parcels, according to the Funds/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) report submitted by Bucks County COO Margaret McKevitt. The trail extension is planned to begin at Bristol Road and continue along the former Fox Chase-Newtown SEPTA corridor, ending at the Churchville Nature Center, which is owned and operated by Bucks County.
According to a Newtown Rail Trail fact sheet:
· SEPTA owns the proposed rail trail land; not local property owners.
· The Newtown Rail Trail will become part of the Bucks County Park system, which means the county is responsible for major repairs and maintenance.
· Rest room access will be available at the Churchville Nature Center.
· Federal and state grant funding are responsible for the trail’s construction and completion funding.
· The trail will be open for use from dawn to dusk.
· Parking will be available for trail users at the Churchville Train station and nature center.
The Rails to Trail Conservancy, a nationwide active recreation and rails to trails non-profit organization, works to dispel common negative public misconceptions about living near rail to trail access. Some of these mistaken beliefs include an increase in crime, lower property values for adjacent homeowners or new liability claims.
For a listing of top rail trails nationwide visit their website.
For more information contact the Bucks County planning commission by calling 215-345-3400 or via email to planningcommission(at)buckscounty.org.
