D&L Trail Contract Awarded for Phase I

/in , /by

The Delaware & Lehigh National Corridor (D&L) Trail is a 165-mile trail running from Bristol, in Bucks County to Wilkes-Barre and connects people to our industrial heritage, health & wellness, economic development, and nature & the environment.

North Branch Land Trust acquired 6 miles of the old rail-bed from Oliver Mills to Northampton
St, through donation and purchase, from the Earth Conservancy. NBLT recently awarded Rutledge Excavation, Inc, the contract to begin work on the 2.86-mile section beginning at Oliver Mills and ending at the Seven Tubs Nature Area. Work began in August.

When completed, this portion of the trail will be 10 feet wide with crushed stone and can be used for biking, running, and walking. Work will begin on the final section, from the base of Giants Despair to the Seven Tubs Nature Area, in the near future and will complete the 165-mile trail.

Trails improve our lives! Dedicated trails for walking, jogging, riding bicycles, and cross-country skiing are important assets to any community. Trails entice us to get outdoors and enjoy nature which reduces stress and improves health. Trails also enhance tourism and economic growth.

During the Coronavirus Pandemic, use of trails and outdoor space has significantly increased and the need for recreational opportunities has become abundantly clear. NBLT is proud to be part of the completion of this 165-mile recreational treasure and looks forward to opening this last leg for the benefit of all.

Projects on this scale require the collaboration of many partners. The following partnered with NBLT to bring this project to fruition:
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
Earth Conservancy
Laurel Run Borough
The Luzerne Foundation
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development—Greenways,
Trails, and Recreation Grant Program
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau ofForestry
PA DCNR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation—Community Conservation Partnership Program
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine
Reclamation—Grant Program
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Plains Township
Sordoni Family Foundation
Wilkes-Barre Township

For more information about the D&L Trail visit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website at www.delawareandlehigh.org or contact North Branch Land Trust at info@nblt.org.

Section of Trail to be completed

 

Paul Lumia, NBLT & Dan Rutledge, Rutledge Excavating, Inc.