A Guide to Visiting During the Valley Green Run Restoration Project

by Ruffian Tittmann, Executive Director, Friends of the Wissahickon

In my article last month, i announced that Friends of the Wissahickon will begin construction on our $2.5 million Valley Green Run Restoration and Pedestrian Bridge Project in mid-July. The first phase of the project will reconstruct the Valley Green Run streambank and streambed to address years of worsening storminduced erosion that led to the collapse of the adjacent footbridge in 2014.

The second phase will build a new pedestrian bridge to allow visitors to safely enter this popular area of Wissahickon Valley Park. A new observation platform along the 200-foot extended walkway will offer visitors expansive views of the park’s schist outcroppings and the historic Valley Green Bridge.

Once construction begins, FOW expects that Valley Green Road will be closed for six months. During this time, park visitors will not have access to the park via this road; the Valley Green Road upper lot will also be closed. However, Valley Green Inn will remain open during normal business hours. Parking for the inn will be available via Wises Mill Road off Henry Avenue in Roxborough.

Trail Access and Safety Notes

Access to the Orange and White trails northbound from Valley Green Road will be closed for the duration of construction. The next closest point of access will be from the Hartwell Lane trailhead. Pedestrian traffic moving through the park will take the detour on Forbidden Drive from Valley Green Road to Rex Avenue. For cyclists, detour options to Forbidden Drive are available via Rex Avenue, Mt. Airy Avenue and Kitchens Lane. These detours can be viewed on www.fow.org/vgbridge.

When you’re in the park near construction sites, slow your pace and keep children, dogs, and horses under control and at a safe distance. When approaching work locations, remove audio earbuds or headphones to be sure to hear any alerts. At all times, give heavy equipment the right-of-way and don’t assume that equipment operators see you. Remember that work zones are off limits, even when crews aren’t working.

This Hallowed Wilderness