Lawrence Hopewell Trail receives funding for final trail segment
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission has awarded the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation a $148,505 grant to design the Cleveland Road portion of the trail, which is the final segment of the 20-mile trail loop.
With four other projects already underway, the nonprofit hopes to complete the trail loop by the end of 2026.
The Cleveland Road segment of Hopewell Township will stretch for about a half mile, linking segments in Hopewell and Lawrence Townships. Organizers say the project will improve safety for all trail users by creating a multi-use path separated from vehicle traffic on Cleveland Road for walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
As ongoing projects advance on either side, the trail will extend from the Mount Rose Preserve on Carter Road to the existing connection on Province Line Road. The organization will work with the property owner and Hopewell and Lawrence officials to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) in the fall. Bid requirements will include providing a cohesive design that enhances the trail user experience and connectivity, organizers said. Preliminary designs are on file.
The goal is to complete the Cleveland Road design phase by early 2025, followed by regulatory review and construction. If sufficient funding is secured, construction of the Cleveland Road segment could be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.
“We are immensely grateful to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for this grant, showing their continuing commitment to our project,” said David Sandahl, chairperson of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation. “Thanks to their support, an inspired idea has evolved as a treasured community asset that benefits thousands each year.”
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.
What about the LHT section between Moores Mill Mount Rose Road and Bailey Drive. Is that the last connection? Hopefully this will be done this Fall if not Spring 2025.
It’s my understanding that that work is part of one of the four other projects still in the works/under way.
This is the section that goes behind/around Raytheon? That would be great. It’s been a couple of years since I’ve ridden the whole route, I never looked forward to Carter Rd between the MRP and Cleveland. Even riding well on the shoulder, it seemed vehicles would go out of their way to “breeze” you.