Back in October, we told you about the completed pedestrian connector bridge linking Schuylkill River Park with the Schuylkill River Trail, and also gave you the early lowdown on a planned 2,000 foot “floating boardwalk” extending the trail to the South Street bridge. At that time, the only sign of this next phase for the trail was the presence of a barge in the river, tasked with drilling down into the river to install support columns to hold up the boardwalk. Well, it seems that in that task, workers have been successful.

Supports in the water

Perhaps a clearer view

According to Saundra Falska from the Schuylkill River Development Corporation, the project is moving along well, though perhaps running a month or two behind schedule. But it was in our brief conversation with Falska that we found…

Last summer, work began on the construction of a 680-foot connector bridge between Schuylkill River Park and the Schuylkill River Trail. Construction of this bridge was necessary to resolve a law suit between the City of Philadelphia and CSX, the company that owns the rail line that separates much of Center City West from direct access to the river. As a side effect of this $6M project that was funded mostly by federal stimulus money, the Friends of Schuylkill River Park were to receive several improvements to their park, including new landscaping, and stellar new dog parks. For about a year and a half, neighbors have had to make do with their park being an active construction site. But no longer!

Site plan of the park

Over the weekend, the new connector bridge was officially dedicated at a ribbon…

Back in July, when the birds were chirping, the sun was shining, and we were all dreaming of a Phillies parade, we wrote about the commencement of construction on the Schuylkill River Park Connector bridge. Amazing how much progress takes place when you ignore a massive public works project for several months. We’re happy to report that things seem to be moving along nicely at the site, with some parts of the bridge already visible, and dog owners finding a way to live with a smaller dog run.

Happy pooches. And a connector bridge, in the background.

A closer look, over by the community garden

Rendering of what it'll look like, eventually

And just for kicks, here's a site plan

We don’t know…

Despite meddling efforts from the less-than-well-informed Citizens for Saving Schuylkill River Park, it appears that construction for the Connector Bridge is finally underway. We don’t know how everyone will be able to survive the next year and a half with a smaller dog park, but from what we see, it seems like some people have already figured it out. And don’t expect construction to suddenly stop- the old dog park is way gone. Here’s a small gallery of photos showing that we’re speaking the truth.

Temporary dog park, small dog section

Temporary dog park, large dog section

Site of former and future dog park

Can hardly wait til next October! Not to worry, folks. We’ll keep you updated along the way.

After learning about the Schuylkill River Parks Connector Bridge and the At-Grade Crossing at Race and Locust Streets, we were left to wonder why these related projects were not kick-started sooner for convenience and pedestrian safety.

The pedestrian bridge connecting Schuylkill River Park to Schuylkill Banks will span across the CSX tracks about 500 feet south of Locust Street and have ADA-compatible ramps leading up to it on both sides. “The bridge is being built to provide a safe crossing for the railroad tracks even if the nearby Locust Street grade crossing is closed,” explains Danielle Gray of the Schuylkill River Development Corporation. Designed by HNTB, the bridge is under contract to SRDC and the Philadelphia Streets Department is overseeing construction on this project, which will begin in July and last about 18…