South Warner Road Expected to Reopen June 13

Chester County announced Friday a major development in the construction of the Chester Valley Trail that also signals the end of an inconvenience for many motorists.

A pedestrian culvert—a tunnel big enough for people—that will allow the trail to pass beneath South Warner Road in Upper Merion Township, Montgomery County, is "substantially completed," according to a press release. 

South Warner Road, which closed during the construction, is expected to reopen to traffic on June 13.

The finished culvert is a significant step forward for the trail, the first phase of which is already open in East Whiteland Township. Phase II, which includes segments in Tredyffrin Township and Montgomery County, is expected to open in the fall. A third phase heading west to Exton is also planned, and the idea of a fourth phase that would extend to Downingtown has been informally discussed.

A map of the trail is attached to this article. Status updates about the trail's construction are available on the Chester County website. 

The full press release (PDF) is below:

Chester Valley Trail Pedestrian Culvert Construction Completed

South Warner Road to be reopened to traffic on Thursday, June 13th

WEST CHESTER, PA_ Construction of the pedestrian culvert carrying the Chester Valley Trail under South Warner Road in Upper Merion Township is substantially completed and the detour signs will be removed on Wednesday, June 12, 2013.  South Warner Road will be reopened to traffic starting the morning of Thursday, June 13, 2013. 

The Chester Valley Trail pedestrian culvert construction began on Monday, March 11, 2013 and due to the commitment and diligence of all parties involved, the work was completed within the three month allowable schedule.

The Chester Valley Trail is a multiuse trail utilizing portions of the abandoned Chester Valley Railroad corridor, constructed in 1850 by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company.  This phase of the Chester Valley Trail will connect with the existing section of Chester Valley Trail at Route 29 in East Whiteland Township, and connect to the existing section of trail that crosses the Schuylkill Expressway east of Warner Road.  

The construction of the Chester Valley Trail Phase II project is a collaboration betweenChester County, Montgomery County, and PennDOT.  It is anticipated to be open for public use in the fall of 2013.