Newtown Township Awards Bid For $1.1M Pedestrian Bridge Project

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA— After years of planning and overcoming challenges, construction of a new pedestrian bridge between Newtown Borough and Newtown Township is a go.

On Wednesday, the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors unanimously accepted a bid from Road Con, Inc. of West Chester to build the Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge linking Frost Lane in Newtown Borough with North Sycamore Street (behind Penn Community Bank) in Newtown Township.

Construction will include the bridge, pathways to the bridge from the township and the borough, and fencing and landscaping along adjacent properties. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

The project will provide a safe, recreational connection across Newtown Creek, fill in a missing link in the local and county trail system, and provide a safer alternative for walkers and bikers to cross the creek.

The project is being funded by three state grants totaling $1,130,000, secured with the major support of State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren.

“The addition of a pedestrian bridge over Newtown Creek will not only bridge two municipalities together, but will improve our local and regional trail connectivity,” said Santarsiero.

A rendering showing the walkway approach to the bridge from Sycamore Street. (Howell Engineering)

The piers of the old trolley bridge looking across the Newtown Creek from Sycamore Street. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A photo showing the original trolley bridge. (Newtown Creek Coalition)

“The Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge is near and dear to my heart,” added Rep. Warren. “This bridge will connect communities, both physically and metaphorically, as Newtown Borough residents and Newtown Township residents on 'the other side of the creek' will have safe pedestrian access to the Sycamore Street commercial and business district, and all residents will have another recreational area to enjoy. Thank you to the Newtown Creek Coalition for its vision for this project and its effort in moving it toward fruition.”

The bridge — a joint project between the Newtown Creek Coalition, Newtown Township, and Newtown Borough — will be built next to the historic stone piers of the Old Trolley Bridge, over which an electric trolley ran from Bristol to Doylestown.

The trolley line was discontinued in 1923. It had once traversed Penn Street and State Street before crossing the creek at Frost Lane and continuing its journey to Doylestown.

Designed by Howell Engineering of West Chester, the new bridge will emulate late 19th-,century wooden railroad bridges, according to the Newtown Creek Coalition. The new bridge will be approximately 170 feet long, with paved approaches through wooded areas.

Utilizing natural materials, the project is designed to blend into its surroundings. Wire mesh railing on the bridge will minimize obstruction of the views from the bridge and the creek banks.

Built into the plan will be pedestrian overlooks on the bridge offering views of the creek and the adjacent stone piers. Subtle path lighting will provide safety at night.

The Newtown Creek Coalition is actively seeking funding for additional project enhancements, including benches on the bridge, a landscaped seating area, a path leading down to the creek’s edge, and educational signage.

Interested donors should contact the Newtown Creek Coalition at newtowncreekcoalition@gmail.com.