The Delaware Canal towpath in Tullytown.
Credit: Google Maps
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is proposing a plan to upgrade the Delaware Canal walking trail.
If the plan moves forward, the two-phase effort would add improvements along the canal path between the Levittown Town Center and the Levittown Parkway intersection, according to Tony Spagnoli, a representative from PEC.
Using a $10,000 grant from PECO and another $10,000 grant from the William Penn Foundation, the first phase of the proposed improvements would add signage and striping at the crosswalks and possibly add some shrubs and a fence near the Levittown Parkway crossing, which was recently upgraded as part of the Route 13 project. The first phase of the work could cost as much as $18,000, most of which would be paid for through grant money, said Spagnoli.
The second phase of the plan would see the trail being realigned between Levittown Town Center and Levittown Parkway. In addition, speed tables would be added to the shopping center, Spagnoli told the council recently.
The first phase could be implemented next year and fundraising for the second phase would begin around the same time. Spagnoli said there are plenty of grants open for walking trail projects.
Delaware Canal State Park runs from Easton to Bristol but is relegated to a small walking path as it passes the Levittown Town Center. After Easton, paths add a route all the way to Wilkes-Barre, which is more than 150 miles away.
Council member Mary Ann Gahagan raised concerns about upgrading the trail because she said she doesn’t often see people along the path.
Resident Jim Chase cautioned against spending money on the improvements unless water can be added to nearby portions of the canal. Spagnoli responded that the Friends of the Delaware Canal have laid out a 20 year vision plan that works to refill dry portions of the historic canal.
In 2013, two tunnels were built underneath Route 13 in Tullytown to make the canal trail safer for users.
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