Biking and walking in Northeast Philly just got a smoother route with the opening of the Fox Chase Lorimer Trail. Following an official ribbon-cutting event, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, together with SEPTA and Montgomery County have added the 0.45-mile trail to the city’s existing network. As detailed on the city's website, the trail caters to both pedestrians and cyclists, spanning from Rhawn Street and Elberon Avenue to Blake Avenue at the county line.
The trail forms part of the Philadelphia region's Circuit Trails, “We are proud to announce the completion of the Fox Chase Lorimer Trail project, which will add more recreational space and provide a connection for more residents in the Northeast to access the Pennypack Trail,” according to Kristin Del Rossi, Commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Streets. Del Rossi highlighted that the trail's creation was a product of intergovernmental collaboration, perfectly aligned to contribute to Mayor Parker’s goal to transform Philadelphia into a place that is cleaner, safer, and greener. The route is designed to be fully ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for all Philadelphians.
Sustainable recreation and exercise have been central to the project, affirms Susan Slawson, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The trail not only provides a scenic route for its users but also seamlessly connects them to the Pennypack Trail and its extended network, which stretches through various parts of the city. The completion of this section in Philadelphia precedes the finishing touches of a smaller section in Montgomery County, anticipated to be done by Fall 2024.
SEPTA was a fundamental partner in the initial planning and design phases, granting easement agreements essential for constructing the trail along the former Newtown Branch rail line. SEPTA Board Chair, Kenneth E. Lawrence, Jr., likened the benefits of such trails to those of public transportation, stating, "Everyone benefits from access to free, accessible and safe places where they can walk, bike and be active in their neighborhoods."
Federal grants provided through the Transportation Community Development Initiative (TCDI) and the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program played pivotal financial roles, both managed by PennDOT’s District 6 and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). As a part of the larger effort, the trail's unveiling went hand in hand with improvements to traffic signals along Rhawn Street, updated ADA curb ramps, and a sidewalk bump-out, enhancing safety and access for the community.
