In fall 2022, Friends of the Riverfront secured funding for design and engineering of the extension of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail between Springdale Township and East Deer Township. 

In 2011, Friends, in partnership with Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) completed the Community Trails Initiative (CTI) Study. This study outlined the extension of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail from Millvale to Freeport, as part of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail. Another study was completed in 2018, PennDOT Central Office funded a study to look at key segments of the Allegheny Valley corridor that needed significant PennDOT and railroad coordination. This segment was identified as one of those key segments and the study showed potential solutions for connectivity within the corridor. 

This 3-mile alignment will include a mix of on- and off-road segments with potential for separated bike lanes and off-road paved trails. The terminus in East Deer will connect to the East Deer Recreation Facility and the new Pittsburgh Brewing Company facility. In Springdale Township, the trail alignment is still undefined but will likely be developed in the PennDOT right-of-way, where safe and separated bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure will be planned and designed. 

As the project begins in April 2023, Friends, the municipalities, and consultant team will engage the community, stakeholders, and project partners iteratively throughout the project to review corridor analysis and draft alignments as they evolve. As the project progresses, updates will be shared here inclusive of meeting dates, opportunities to review and submit feedback and any additional project information. 

Funding for this project was provided by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County (RAAC)’s Trail Development Fund, which was made possible via the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in 2021. 

Do you have questions regarding this project? Ask them here!