ARRO’s grant specialist was engaged in procuring funding for our client, Royersford Borough, to rehabilitate an historic Pennsylvania Railroad Trestle Bridge. Originally erected in the 1890s and rebuilt in 1919, this bridge will serve as an alternate route for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians traveling between Royersford and Spring City.

Our grant specialist first identified an appropriate funding source for the client’s project. Royersford Borough wished to (1) provide regional residents with a safer route across the Schuylkill River between Spring City and Royersford, (2) preserve the historic infrastructure of Royersford by rehabilitating the bridge, and (3) effect a positive change in business and economic development in historic downtown Royersford. The goals of this project, while quite multifaceted, fit well with the objectives of the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Program.

The Borough requested $1.3 million, of which it was awarded $1 million in funding for this project in autumn 2019. With rehabilitation measures, connections to existing commuter lanes will be established, linking the sidewalks of Royersford and Spring City. The sidewalks to which this project will connect run parallel to Main Street, making alternate transportation over the Trestle Bridge an easy and attractive option.

Not only will this adaptive reuse of infrastructure serve the populations of Spring City and Royersford residents and students, but all those who utilize the future Schuylkill River Trail to travel between Pottstown and Philadelphia. The trestle bridge is uniquely poised to become a key part of the commuter transportation network in the Royersford-Spring City area. The Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) is located just 250 feet from the end of the trestle bridge on the Spring City side. By linking Royersford to the SRT, safe, off-road bicycle and pedestrian travel will become possible between all the river towns within a half-hour’s travel. Once the SRT is completed between Parker Ford and Pottstown, as is planned within the next few years, safe and practical travel by bicycle between Royersford and Pottstown will become possible. As this trail network continues to expand, the value of a usable trestle bridge between the two cities will only increase.

ARRO’s grant specialist utilized public-private partnerships to enhance the Borough’s application, working extensively with local businesses and residents, as well as local legislative representatives.