Oct 28, 2014 2 min read

An additional $581,500 in state funds is headed toward Montour Trail development in South Park Township.

South Park Township, in conjunction with the Montour Trail Council, was awarded $369,300 for construction of a 0.7-mile trail segment from Pleasant Street to Wood Street in the village of Library.

“This dovetails with the conclusion of construction on the Library Viaduct to take trail users over busy Library Road,” said state Sen. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, who also represents Peters Township, home to the former Montour Railroad segment known as Arrowhead Trail. “Trail development in South Park represents a key safety improvement and (transportation) connection in the South Hills.”

The trail council was also awarded $212,200 to construct a 0.4-mile trail segment along Piney Fork Road and a bridge spanning Piney Fork Creek toward the trailhead in South Park Township.

“Each section will extend portions that are already open, thereby making the trail more useful and enjoyable for commuters, local residents, and long-distance bicycle tourists. When completed, these two sections will bring the Montour Trail much nearer to being completed through South Park Township,” said Williams in the news release from Smith’s office.

Each of the funded projects will include access for the disabled, landscaping and other site improvements.

The grants were awarded through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The grants are used toward the planning, acquisition and development of recreation and conservation facilities, natural resources, greenways and open spaces, trails, and heritage and facilities.