Build a Bicycle and Pedestrian Pathway on the I-95 Scudder Falls Bridge

We support the inclusion of a bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the new I-95 Scudder Falls Bridge. The ability for bicyclists and pedestrians to cross the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey is severely limited. More than half of the bridges crossing the river do not allow bike-ped access.

The Bridge is scheduled to be built within the next few years. The Commission has conducted a significant public outreach program and according to the consultant the top request for the Scudder Falls Bridge project is the inclusion of a bicycle and pedestrian pathway.

A bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the Scudder Falls Bridge would:

Connect two major linear trails; the Delaware Canal and the D & R Canal.
Improve equity It would be the first crossing of the Delaware River accessible to persons with disabilities
Would encourage bicycle tourists to explore beyond Washington Crossing south to Yardley, Morrisville and West Trenton
Would bring the bridge into compliance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidance for non-motorized transportation access.

Bicycle and pedestrian access to bridges are encouraged in all regional transportation plans including the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commissions Long Range Plan as well as the respective New Jersey and Pennsylvania Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans. There have also been resolutions of support passed in the affected communities of Ewing Township, NJ and Lower Makefield Township, PA.

The estimated cost of the pathway is 14 Million Dollars or about 7\% of the total cost of the 200+ million dollar project. The FHWA recommends inclusion of such facilities if the cost does not exceed 20\% of the total cost.

Concern about oil prices, public health, climate change and dwindling highway funds are helping to shift public sentiment towards simpler energy efficient transportation choices, especially bicycling and walking. The Commission should take into account that transportation priorities may change during the 50 year lifespan of the new bridge and access for all users of our transportation system is the most prudent, economical choice.