Tredway Trail extension open to hikers, bicyclists in Allegheny Township

Preliminary work on an expansion of the Tredway Trail in Allegheny Township will lead to an additional three miles of trail to hikers and bicyclists.

Officially named the Wynn and Clara Tredway River Trail, the new and final section of the walking-biking recreational trail is partially completed.

Allegheny Township manager Greg Primm said construction is expected to be completed early next year.

“We want people to use the trail. It’s a great outdoor recreation resource,” Primm said.

The $325,300 project is made possible by a state grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Township crews are completing initial work done by a contractor. The trail has random daytime closures when work is taking place.

Primm said a closed sign is placed on the trail’s temporary gate when crews are at work, but workers usually leave by 3 p.m., allowing the public afternoon and evening time on the trail.

The trail will be about 10 to 15 feet wide and extend the total trail to about 8 miles in length, from the Boggs Way/Braeburn section of Lower Burrell to Kiski Junction in Allegheny Township. It will include a scenic loop along the Allegheny River.

A free parking lot with about 20 spaces is offered under the Freeport Bridge.

Avid walkers Dan and JoAnn Crytzer of Freeport recently walked the new section of trail to its end at Kiski Junction.

“This is fantastic,” Dan Crytzer said. “I would like to see it eventually connected with Rails to Trails. I see animals like fox, turkey and deer on the trail.”

His wife, JoAnn, said the flat trail offers a nice retreat from busier trails.

“It’s quieter than the Butler-Freeport trail, and the scenery and flowers are nice,” she said.

Primm said there are no restroom facilities on the trail, but they might be added in the future.

The trail, along a former bed of the Allegheny Valley Railroad, is wheelchair accessible. Motorized vehicles such as four-wheelers are prohibited.

“I’m proud of creating a gem for the township that will bring people to the township and drive economic development,” Primm said. “We invite all trail lovers to enjoy it.”

Residents can sponsor custom memorial benches along the trail for an average cost of $1,000. Orders may be placed by calling 724-842-4641.

Editor’s note: Dan and JoAnn Crytzer’s last name was misspelled in an original version of this story.