Photo credit: Sue Manuel
It’s the moment everyone’s been waiting for: The Manayunk Bridge lighting project is set to begin later this year.
Back in 2015, the Manayunk Bridge Trail opened for cyclists and pedestrians connecting Manayunk in Philadelphia to Lower Merion in Montgomery County — but it opened without lights, which meant it had to close at dusk and open at dawn. This led to issues with using the Bridge for commuting, as well as early morning rides.
Over the years, we wrote the latest on estimated installation and timeline for the lighting project along the bridge. When completed, the bridge will no longer be closed at night, allowing 24/7 access between these counties. As of this week, we’ve received word that the lighting project is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.
Here’s what we know about the project timeline so far:
- A “Notice to Proceed” has been issued to the contractor.
- Work being performed this Summer will involve procuring the materials from the supplier.
- Construction will commence on the Manayunk Bridge in late Summer once lighting materials have been acquired.
- Lighting installation will begin in August and September with anticipated completion of the project in late 2021.
The good news is trail users will be able to use the bridge during the construction process. We look forward to celebrating 24/7 access when construction is completed later this year. We’d like to thank all who continue to wait patiently for improved accessibility along the bridge connections to the Schuylkill River Trail and the Parkside Cynwyd Trail along the Circuit Trails, as well as the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability, and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, for moving forward on this.