Described as “generational changing,” recently awarded investments in rails-to-trails will help connect more than 100 miles of recreational trails in Western Pennsylvania, opening previously unrealized pathways to communities poised to benefit economically. Murrysville to Rankin. O’Hara to East Deer. Aspinwall to Homewood. Plans are underway to grow and connect mostly
A two-acre addition to Allegheny RiverTrail Park (ARP) in Aspinwall is a coveted gift to the community, park founder Susan Crookston said. “For now and for generations to come,” she said. The site, just off Freeport Road, was awarded a $367,000 state grant last week to help with the purchase.
Aspinwall Riverfront Park expands, changes name to Allegheny RiverTrail Park triblive.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from triblive.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Allegheny Valley Railroad has agreed to sell a 3.6 mile long stretch of railroad to Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The Brilliant Line links Aspinwall to Pittsburgh’s East End across the Allegheny River. The nonprofit group that oversees the park plans to turn it into a trail for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The railroad line was originally constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad beginning in 1902. Allegheny Valley Railroad acquired the line in 1995, and it is currently active. But John Ashbridge, Allegheny Valley Railroad’s vice president of operations, said the company believes the line will be put to better use as a community space.
Courtesy of Susan Crookston
A map shows the nearly four-mile stretch of the Brilliant Line rail corridor which is being purchased by Aspinwall Riverfront Park from Allegheny Valley Railroad.
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Residents from Sharpsburg to Pittsburgh’s East End could be connected by a four-mile bike/pedestrian corridor that would provide access to fitness, recreation, shopping and dining in a project that’s expected to cost nearly $14 million.
Aspinwall Riverfront Park is in negotiations to purchase the Brilliant Line from Allegheny Valley Railroad. The Brilliant Line stretches from the park’s shoreline up Washington Boulevard past Highland Park, Lincoln/Lemington and beyond.