Forbidden Drive Remains... Forbidden, Through December

Cyclists and joggers who utilize the path beneath the Walnut Lane Bridge will have to wait at least until the month ends to resume activity.

Streets Department officials said Monday the Forbidden Drive path along the Wissahickon River and below the bridge linking Roxborough to Germantown will remain closed through December due to potential falling concrete.

"Forbidden Drive... remain(s) closed until a pedestrian shed is installed to ensure safe passage beneath the bridge," spokesperson June Cantor wrote in an e-mail Monday. "The city expects to have the shed installed and the drive reopened to pedestrian and bicycle traffic by the end of December."

Following reports of falling concrete from the historic bridge, the Department of Parks and Recreation and Streets Department closed the trail Nov. 24. Officials said the debris was cosmetic, and the Walnut Lane Bridge remained opened, as no structural issues existed.

Since the initial closure, Cantor said inspectors "removed loose architectural concrete from several places" and reaffirmed that no structural problems exist.

Over the coming weeks, Cantor said the city will meet with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials to develop long-term repair plans for the bridge, which opened in 1908.

Until then, exercise enthusiasts may utilize several portions with street access of Forbidden Drive—just not the area directly beneath the bridge—including:

• Bells Mills Road;
• Green Lane; and
• Kitchens Lane. 

In total, Forbidden Drive remains open from Lincoln Drive to the Walnut Lane Bridge area, and also from Northwestern Avenue to the bridge.

Editor's note: June Cantor's name was spelled wrong in an earlier edition.