Munhall presenters seek council letter of support for GAP Trail extension and feasibility study

Joe, representing the Silverado Accelerator/Enterprise Zone, asked the borough for a letter of support to seek grants and state funding for an engineering feasibility study to extend the GAP Trail through Munhall. He described a proposed route that would improve pedestrian and bike access from the waterfront up to the Amity/avenues commercial area and said the project could be built in phases to minimize conflicts with a proposed solar farm near the Mont Hall property.

Why it matters: The presenter framed the project as both a safety improvement — providing an off-road route to keep pedestrians and cyclists away from vehicular lanes and hazardous rail crossings — and an economic-development tool that could funnel more customers to local businesses. Joe cited high trail ridership estimates and a modest capture rate as a way to justify pursuing funding.

Council and staff asked technical questions about right-of-way and approvals. Staff and the presenter said KCI Engineering (named by the presenter) and other firms would assess whether a 15-foot trail alignment is feasible near US Steel property and whether railroad permission would be required for any segment that approaches active tracks. The presenter said that, if implemented, maintenance would likely be turned over to regional trail organizations.

Public speakers pressed for careful engineering to reduce risk. Charlene David, an 11th Avenue resident and “avid biker,” urged council to include reopening or reusing existing tunnels behind the Wendy’s area in the feasibility study to improve safe access. Rich Betters, who identified himself as a nearby neighbor and rider, said he had seen a pedestrian struck at the Amity/rail crossing and warned that cyclists would avoid alignments that require crossing active tracks.

What council asked for next: The presenter asked for a nonbinding letter of support from council to help secure grant funding for the engineering study; staff said engineers would return with right-of-way findings and cost estimates. No formal vote on the letter was recorded at the workshop. The presenter and staff will return with study results and additional details to guide any future council action.