The D&L Blog

Connecting the D&L Trail is about partnerships:  large government organizations, passionate individuals who bring their whole selves to their work, and everyone in between.  These valuable collaborations will make linking the final 12% of our 165-mile trail possible.

Through strong alliances, two of our most ambitious projects will get underway before year’s end.  PennDOT District 5-0 is slated to bid out the $3.1 million bike/pedestrian bridge at Jim Thorpe later this month.  Funding for the project comes from PennDOT and DCNR, but a total of 15 partners, led by the D&L and the Carbon County Commissioners, signed off on the plan.  The resulting 59-mile stretch of trail will make all the negotiations well worth it.

Working with PennDOT District 4-0, the Middleburg Road Crossing in Luzerne County will connect PA State Park and Forest lands.  Scheduled to go to bid in December, cooperation from the PUC and Reading Blue Mountain North Railroad was key.

Recently, the William Penn Foundation awarded a $750,000 grant to the D&L. These funds will be shared with the Wildlands Conservancy over the next three years to connect the Lehigh Valley Trail Network.  This isn’t the first time the D&L and Wildlands have partnered and won’t be the last.  Our Trail Tenders program has its roots in the Conservancy and they hosted their very successful summer camp in Hugh Moore Park this year.

If you’re reading this message, chances are you’re enthusiastic about closing gaps along the D&L and connecting the Trail.  If you have questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Elissa Garofalo

[email protected]

(610) 923 – 3548