On January 9th, the Philadelphia Water Department posted a closure update along a portion of the Manayunk Canal Towpath on the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT). The trail closure is located south of the Flat Rock Dam for roughly 0.2 miles due to construction that is expected to be completed by March 30th, 2024.
The Flat Rock Dam Betterment project is a multi-year ecological project restoring an eastern portion of the dam that will improve water quality and habitat in the Manayunk Canal and Schuylkill River.
Source: Philadelphia Water Department
See the map above for the recommended detour using Umbria Street to continue your travels along the SRT.
Informational closure signs are posted on both ends of the obstructed portion: one at the Manayunk Towpath at Leverington, and one at Shawmont Ave and Nixon St. Pedestrians and bikers will be able to travel further on the SRT toward the worksite, but will meet a dead end at the Flat Rock Dam and will be required to turn around.
Cyclists and hikers should be advised that this detour route has some steep inclines and not all areas have bike lanes or sidewalks. Those using local streets to reconnect with the trail should follow local traffic regulations and proceed with caution.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is a founding member of the Circuit Trails Coalition and leads the movement to make every bicycle ride safe, to empower youth and adults to ride, and to foster a ridership that reflects the diversity of the region. Join or renew to continue that advocacy and education work throughout the region. More info here.