The Liberty Bell Trail (LBT) in North Penn and Indian Valley will link residents and visitors alike to downtown centers; residential neighborhoods; parks, libraries, and schools; natural areas and open spaces; transportation hubs; and much, much more. In addition to local connections, the LBT will connect into the broader network of Circuit Trails, the Philadelphia region’s growing trail network.
The LBT will intersect with the Powerline Trail, which moves from east to west across Montgomery County and beyond. The Powerline Trail will provide residents with access to Evansburg State Park, as well as Bucks County to the northeast. To the south, in Norristown, PA, the LBT will eventually link into the Schuylkill River Trail, creating connections with Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and Reading, PA.
The Current Study
Eight municipalities in Montgomery County are collaborating with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, consulting firm Michael Baker International, and the Partnership TMA of Montgomery County to advance the planning of the Liberty Bell Trail (LBT). Those municipalities include Upper Gwynedd Township, North Wales Borough, Lansdale Borough, Hatfield Township, Hatfield Borough, Franconia Township, Souderton Borough and Telford Borough. A prior LBT Feasibility Study completed in 2005 investigated the potential development of the former 25-mile Liberty Bell Trolley route between Norristown and Quakertown into a trail network for walking and bicycling.
This feasibility study will focus on the 11-mile portion of the LBT in Montgomery County. Over the past 16 years, some progress has been made toward its completion, including construction of approximately 1.5 miles in Lansdale Borough and another half mile in Hatfield Borough. As part of this trail update, we will investigate changes that have occurred along the planned trail route, explore alternatives, and make recommendations for a preferred alignment. These technical tasks will be supported by a robust public outreach program using numerous virtual and traditional techniques. The study is anticipated to be completed by early 2022.
Get Involved
How can YOU get involved in the Montgomery County Liberty Bell Trail feasibility study? A great first step is to check out the WikiMap and fill out the associated survey. Beyond that, the most important thing you can do to push the Liberty Bell Trail forward is reaching out to your elected officials to express your support. Township staff and administration will be responsible for seeking funding to put this feasibility study into action, and they need to know their constituents are in support!
If you would like to stay up to date on upcoming public meetings and events, be sure to check out our webpage. Email Zhenya Nalywayko ([email protected]) if you would like to be placed on our mailing list.