With a $148,505 grant in hand, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation expects to design the Cleveland Road section of the off-road pedestrian and bicycle trail soon.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission awarded the grant to the nonprofit group to design the half-mile segment of the trail on Cleveland Road in Hopewell Township. It will be separated from the road, making it safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Cleveland Road is the final segment of the 22-mile Lawrence-Hopewell Trail loop, and will link existing sections of the trail in Lawrence and Hopewell townships.
The Cleveland Road design phase could be completed by early 2025, officials said. Construction could be completed by late 2025 or early 2026, if there is sufficient funding for it.
David Sandahl, the chairman of the Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation Board of Trustees, thanked the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission for the grant.
“(The grant) shows their continuing commitment to our project. Thanks to their support, an inspired idea has evolved into a treasured community asset that benefits thousands each year,” Sandahl said.
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail has been in the works since 2001. It grew out of a meeting of community members to discuss the lack of opportunities for safe, off-road bicycling and walking activities.
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation was formed to explore the possibility of creating a bicycle and pedestrian trail. The goal was to link the two townships through the off-road bicycle and walking trail.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. and the Educational Testing Service – both based in Lawrence Township – joined forces in 2002 to encourage the creation of the trail. Their campuses served as the physical anchors for the trail. The companies provided financial support for the nonprofit Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation.
The first segment of the trail was constructed in 2004. Additional segments have been built through the years in Lawrence and Hopewell townships.
The Lawrence Hopewell Trail Corporation hopes to complete the trail loop by the end of 2026.
