What's Happening?
The South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved two contracts with the engineering firm Michael Baker International, totaling over $73,000. These contracts are designated to advance work on a one-mile segment of the Jordan
Creek Greenway trail, extending from Covered Bridge Park to Parkland High School. This phase of the project is expected to continue through 2027. The funding for these contracts will be drawn from existing and anticipated grant money, including a recent $500,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a $1.5 million award received earlier this year through PennDOT’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside program. Christopher Strohler, South Whitehall’s long-range planning director, indicated that the contracts would address unforeseen stormwater issues, particularly concerning a working farm that the trail crosses. Engineers are designing a structure to protect both the trail and the farm from excessive storm runoff, ensuring it can support the weight of farm equipment.
Why It's Important?
The continued development of the Jordan Creek Greenway is significant for regional connectivity and public access to green spaces in Lehigh County. This trail is part of a larger regional system comprising 14 linked trails spanning over 200 miles across the Lehigh Valley. The extension will enhance recreational opportunities for residents, promoting outdoor activities and potentially improving public health. The project also highlights effective inter-agency cooperation, with funding secured from both state and local sources, demonstrating a commitment to infrastructure development that balances environmental considerations with community needs. Addressing stormwater management is crucial, as it protects agricultural land and ensures the long-term sustainability of the trail infrastructure, preventing potential damage from erosion and flooding. The inclusion of a crosswalk at Ritter Road will also improve pedestrian safety, making the trail more accessible and secure for users.
What's Next?
With the contracts approved, Michael Baker International will proceed with the engineering work for the one-mile trail segment. This will involve detailed design and planning, particularly for the stormwater management structure and the pedestrian crosswalk at Ritter Road. Construction on this section is anticipated to continue through 2027. Future steps will likely include securing additional grants and coordinating with landowners, especially the farmer whose land the trail traverses, to ensure smooth project execution. The completion of this segment will bring the Jordan Creek Greenway closer to its ultimate goal of winding through Lehigh County from Allentown to the Trexler Nature Preserve, further integrating it into the broader regional trail network. The township will continue to monitor progress and address any new challenges that arise during the development phase.
Beyond the Headlines
The Jordan Creek Greenway project exemplifies a growing trend in urban and suburban planning towards creating interconnected green infrastructure. Beyond its immediate recreational benefits, such greenways contribute to ecological preservation by protecting natural habitats and improving water quality through effective stormwater management. The project's emphasis on designing a structure robust enough to support farm equipment while protecting the trail underscores the complex balance required when developing infrastructure in mixed-use landscapes. This approach can serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges in integrating recreational trails with agricultural or environmentally sensitive areas. Furthermore, the long-term impact includes fostering a stronger sense of community by providing shared public spaces and potentially boosting local economies through increased tourism and outdoor recreation.
