CSX Bridge Eyed for Gwynns Falls Trail Extension

11.2007

Trust for Public Land

In the two years since its grand opening celebration, the Gwynns Falls Trail in Baltimore has seen countless hikers and bikers traversing the area, taking in the multifarious sights and sounds of Charm City: history and lush greenery at Winans Meadow and Leon Day Park, the inner-city vibrance of Lower Gwynns Falls Park, and Baltimore's proud industrial past along Bush and Bayard streets.

In conjunction with the Baltimore City Henrietta Development Corporation, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and other stakeholders, The Trust for Public Land is now moving forward with plans to extend the trail, hoping to loop it around the Middle Branch of the Patapsco River to create a natural greenway that will connect the highly publicized Westport Waterfront development along the banks of the river.

With the support of Baltimore City, which manages the trail, TPL has signed a contract with CSX, an international transportation company, to acquire a rail swing bridge that will connect the east and west sides of the Middle Branch. TPL will soon be commissioning safety studies, environmental impact reports, and conversion plans. If all goes well, TPL will acquire the bridge and convey ownership to the City of Baltimore for a trail connection  that will envelop the Westport Waterfront and provide additional access near the new aquarium site.

"The bridge is the linchpin for all the development— residential and retail—on both sides of the Middle Branch," said TPL Senior Project Manager Richard Ross. "I can't wait to cross the river on what will be an aerial greenway."