Context

The Greenway Trail Feasibility Study Report is the culmination of a six month long investigation into the possible development of an off-road trail system in the southwestern corner of East Norriton Township. The proposed trail system is recreational and transportation infrastructure for use primarily by East Norriton Township residents. Future developments may allow for this system to become apart of a larger Township, County or Regional system of trails and greenways.

Goals

In addition to providing the ultimate goal of creating an off-road trail system connecting the Ballard Wolffe Park with the Norristown Area High School, the Project Study Committee, with input from the public, identified various project goals that include safe road crossings, emergency access, privacy for adjacent landowners, and the incorporation of accepted design and maintenance standards.

Study Area & Design Process

The study area is the southwest corner of East Norriton Township and a portion of West Norriton Township. It is generally bound by Woodland Avenue to the north, Norristown Area High School to the south, Stony Creek to the east, and Trooper Road to the west. The project team performed an inventory and analysis of existing conditions through a number of site visits, review of available plans & Data, and four public meetings. Alternative trail alignments were investigated to determine their feasibility. Estimates of probable construction costs were developed and a preferred alignment was determined.

Preferred Alignment

The preferred trail alignment extends from the Ballard Wolffe Park to Germantown Pike through the Valley Forge Medical Center property by following an existing stream valley. The existing traffic signals at Potshop Road and Burnside Avenue provide a safe crossing of Germantown Pike. A connecting trail loop will provide a linkage to the Paul Fly Elementary School. The trail will follow the north and east perimeters of the Norriton Business Campus. At the southern end of the Business Campus, the trail will enter West Norriton Township and cross Burnside Avenue near the entrance to the Norristown Area High School. Coordination with West Norriton Township is necessary to provide the final connection to the High School. A trail spur from the High School will provide access to the open space parcel jointly owned by East Norriton and West Norriton Townships.

Implementation

The report outlines potential funding sources, a recommended task list and timetable, and accepted trail design and maintenance guidelines. These elements will serve ass a guide for Township Officials to implement this proposed off-road trail and greenway system.