A regional transportation planning board has approved at least $300 million in federal, state and local funding to expand pedestrian and bike trails across the Philadelphia area, according to WHYY.
The projects backed by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission aim to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in traffic-heavy areas, reduce vehicle emissions and improve access to natural resources. The funding must still get final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation and would be available in October.
Spring Garden connector would link two river trails
Among the largest projects is the Spring Garden Connector, a proposed $58 million, 2.1-mile multiuse urban corridor that would link the Schuylkill River Trail and the Delaware River Trail.
The connector would start at the intersection of Christopher Columbus Boulevard and Spring Garden Street, stretch across Spring Garden Street and end at Eakins Oval in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, according to WHYY. In addition to protected bike lanes and accessible sidewalks, the project would improve traffic signals, lighting and access to bus and subway stations…