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Bucks County Railway Trolley Bridge circa 1897

Featured Article

Bridging Community Development

Pedestrian Bridge Project Aims To Accentuate Area's Natural Assets, History, Importance, Resilience While Investing In Local Economic, Lifestyle Planning

Article by Julie Brown Patton

Photography by Provided by NCC as only known image of original trolley bridge

Originally published in Newtown City Lifestyle

Bridging the gap: The Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge Project includes installing a new bridge across Newtown Creek for pedestrians and bicycles, connecting Frost Lane in Newtown Borough with North Sycamore Street at Durham Road in Newtown Township. The prefabricated bridge will be approximately 120 feet long and 8 feet wide, with paved approaches on both sides. Slated to open during 2027, it'll be located next to historic foundations of the Old Newtown Trolley Bridge, and is

Last December, representatives of Newtown Township, Newtown Borough and the Newtown Creek Coalition (NCC) were presented with a $999,979 check to fully fund the project. This grant was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

NCC was established in 2006 by a group of interested citizens from Newtown Borough and Newtown Township, who wanted to highlight this forgotten natural resource. Since its inception, NCC members have held regular meetings open to the public, convened special public meetings, conducted research, completed water quality monitoring and organized cleanups.

Mike Sellers, president of the Newtown Creek Coalition, says educational signage will illustrate the history of the original bridge and trolley line, which was discontinued in 1923.

"The bridge will supply a missing link in the extensive trail systems of Newtown Township, Bucks County and Southeastern Pennsylvania, enhancing access to recreational areas in both municipalities and beyond, for both residents and visitors," Mike adds. 

By drawing attention to the historic bridge, Mike says the project will promote the role the local area played in the history of transportation systems and commercial development of Bucks County.

NCC is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. The group is a member of the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers and the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed.

NewtownCreekCoalition@gmail.com 
NewtownCreekCoalition.org

Organizers of the Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge Project indicate it'll enhance connectivity and accessibility between Newtown Borough and Township by constructing a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Newtown Creek. This project's designed to promote non-motorized transportation, improve access to recreational areas and revitalize the Sycamore Street commercial district.