Clifton Heights backs DEP pedestrian‑bridge application; council asked to consider resolution

Clifton Heights Borough staff told council the borough and neighboring Lansdowne have applied to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for funding to build a pedestrian bridge across Darby Creek and asked council to consider a resolution of support.

Manager (Speaker 3) described a multi‑phase project originally sited near the pool parking lot that engineering work moved to Broadway Avenue because of grade and ramping constraints. He said, “There is an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for the project,” and that core testing has been completed at the Broadway location. Speaker 3 gave an order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate: “It's probably about a $2,000,000 build because it has to go elevated.”

The proposed bridge would connect to existing trails and parks (including Kent Park and Scottsdale Trail) and aims to improve pedestrian access from the north end of the borough to the regional trail network. Speaker 3 said the county’s comprehensive plan includes trail connections that align with the project and that the borough will place a resolution on the agenda if council supports the application.

Why it matters: a funded bridge would create a new pedestrian connection across Darby Creek, improve walkability to schools and parks and integrate Clifton Heights with a regional trail plan. The manager emphasized council support via a resolution would strengthen the DEP application.

Next steps: council will be asked to consider a resolution supporting the DEP application at a future meeting; staff will provide additional environmental study and project materials if council agrees to move forward.