Ground Is Broken On New Pedestrian Bridge In Valley Forge National Historic Park
By Brad Segall
WEST NORRITON, Pa. (CBS) - State and local officials have broken ground for a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge that will span the Schuylkill River in Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County.
Longtime residents of Upper Merion and West Norriton remember the old Betzwood Bridge which was demolished nearly twenty years ago. Since then, walkers, runners and bikers have used a narrow boardwalk type path along the 422 bridge to cross the river.
Valley Forge Park Superintendent Kate Hammond says they are reaching back into history. Sullivan's Bridge is named for General John Sullivan who built a bridge over the river during Washington's stay at Valley Forge.
"And his troops stood in ice-filled waters and faced shortages of timber and tools to build a bridge to connect the two sides of the encampment," Hammon said. "And I think they would be honored that their achievements are going to be remembered through this bridge."
The bridge will connect the north and south sides of Valley Forge and improve access to a network of regional trail systems. The cost is about $9-million and a ribbon cutting is expected in two years.
