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Community Corner

Residents Share Safety Concerns About Manayunk Bridge, Cynwyd Trail Plans

About 30 people attended a public meeting Sept. 15 in Lower Merion

Planners of the projected  extension over the Manayunk Bridge presented design options to about 30 residents and asked for feedback at a public meeting in Lower Merion Sept. 15.

Each attendee got a heart sticker to mark on large posters his favorite design component and a speech bubble sticker to indicate something he would like to see improved. Comment cards were included to encourage more detailed input.

During an open Q-and-A session, multiple residents voiced concerns about public safety. Chris Leswing, assistant director of , said that security goes in to all facets of the design.

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Biker-pedestrian relations on the bridge was another hot topic.  Many residents feared bikers will ride too quickly and injure walkers, especially young children.

Lead project consultant Jeff Reigner, of Whitman, Requardt, and Associates, presented three options: separate pedestrian and bike lanes, with either bike lanes in the center or to one side, or an open, “meandering” path which would “rely on people to get along,” he said

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Beyond the mechanics of the bridge design itself, project personnel have to consider a number of additional factors, including ensuring public safety, especially for pedestrians; implementing lighting that is attractive but also maintains public safety; maintaining access to utility wires and manholes; and abiding by the guidelines set by the National Register of Historic Places.

Construction is expected to start in spring 2013, Reigner said, adding he hopes the bridge will be open by 2014.

Reigner said SEPTA will continue to own the bridge but service and operations will be a municipal responsibility. Lower Merion may be held accountable for maintenance, but that has not been finalized yet, he said.

Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) granted $1.3 million towards the bridge revamp project.  Reigner said the money will first go to making the bridge “functional.”

Additional funds are being sought from a number of different sources, which would help pay for landscaping and lighting, he continued, and there have been “positive indications this will occur.”

At the last public meeting, the department received 52 responses to what residents said they would like the bridge to be like in two years.

In addition to walking and biking, citizens said they would use the bridge for events, to hang out, for dog walks, and to commute.  Locals also suggested adding viewfinders, an elevator at Main Street, and bike cabs between Cynwyd and Manayunk.

Planners would also like to include community-based art such as mosaics, sculptures, paintings to the bridge.

The planners’ goal is to make the bridge “more than just a transportation corridor” by capitalizing on “view, destination, and connection.”

Leswing also announced that the Cynwyd Heritage Trail is now fully paved.  The grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. Recent storms that disrupted construction forced a postponement from Sept. 23.

 

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