The D&L Blog

There’s a New Trail Section coming to Lehigh County!

Construction began in April 2022 to formalize approximately 0.6 miles of D&L Trail. The new trail will span from Hanover Canal Park (MM 78.6) to the Deily Coal Yard Trailhead (MM 80.2) in Lehigh County.

This section of trail is owned and managed by Lehigh County. The County is leading the construction project with funding support from PennDOT. Work includes replacing the bridge at the Deily Coal Yard trailhead near Race Street. It also includes widening and resurfacing of the trail from Race Street to Hanover Canal Park.  

Some fun facts about the project:  

• 14 Easements* were acquired 
• Rock wall cutouts are required to give trail users ample space. This is no small feat, as you can see from the photo to the right.
• Connecting the trail across Race Street and Catasauqua Creek requires a lot of work. PennDOT has incorporated this portion of the project into their larger Race Street and Lehigh Street Intersection Project. That project will be completed at a later date.  

This section of trail is closed during construction. While we are all excited to see the construction progress, please avoid this section. We want to limit construction disturbances, prevent delays, and maintain safety.

The anticipated open date for this section is in Winter 2022. 

For more information about the project and status updates, visit D&L’s online Interactive Map.

*An easement is defined as “a right to cross or otherwise use someone else’s land for a specified purpose.”

WED MAP UPDATES

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our Interactive Webmap is updated regularly with information provided by landowners. Please note, an update will remain posted with the original posting date for as long as the incident is relevant.  

The Delaware Canal region was one of the most heavily damaged sections of the D&L Trail after Tropical Storm Ida. Caution advisements remain between the Forks of the Delaware and the Virginia Forrest Recreation Area trailheads. Closures at MM 43 and MM 31.1 remain closed to trail users.  

• Black Diamond – White Haven and White Haven – Lehigh Tannery: Obstruction within trail section. The Lehigh Gorge State Park rehabilitation project (MM 132-130.5 and MM 130.2-128.6) has been extended to Fall 2022. 
• Glen Onoko – Jim Thorpe: Obstruction within trail section. Trail closure at MM 106.3 in early to mid-June for trail repairs under the 903 Bridge. 
• Jim Thorpe (East) – Weissport: Obstruction within trail section. Trail section open, but many areas are still very rocky or rutted (MM 105.5 to 102). Final repairs are anticipated for Summer 2022 
• Catasauqua – Hanover Township: Obstruction within trail section. Construction has begun between Deily Coal Yard Trailhead and Hanover Township (MM 78.6 – MM80.2). This trail section is closed to trail users until Winter 2022 
• Washington Crossing (Upper) – Washington Crossing (Lower): Delaware Canal Towpath Maintenance Alert between southern New Hope (MM 23.6) to Washington Crossing (MM 19.1). Towpath damage due to weather and general wear and tear are present. 
• Washington Crossing (Lower) – Yardley: Obstruction within trail section. The Tebola Beans Bridge closure (MM 17.3) has been opened. The Sommer’s Authentic Camelback Bridge (pedestrian only) closure at MM 14.69 remains.   

Please check our Web Map for current updates before planning any excursions on the D&L Trail. 

Written by: Liz Rosencrans, D&L Trail & Stewardship Manager