Meeting Set On Northampton Biking, Walking Trail Plans

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — An information session has been scheduled in Northampton Township on plans for new walking and biking trails.

The session will be 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, a the Free Library of Northampton Township, at 25 Upper Holland Rd. in Richboro. Anyone interested in plans is invited to attend.

Township officials have been working on a master plan that aims to increase the number of biking and walking trails in Northampton.

"The plan aims to outline "a vision for improving the quality of life in the township, providing a wide range of outdoor experiences and supporting economic development through the development of a comprehensive township-wide trail and bicycle facilities network."

The plan identifies 11 proposals for trails. They are:

• Newtown Rail Trail – Continuous shared use trail contained fully within the SEPTA right-of-way of the former Fox Chase-Newtown train line from Bristol Road to Neshaminy Creek
• New Road – Spans the length of New Road from Hatboro Road to Bustleton Pike
• Old Jordan Road (17.75) – Will join East and Middle Holland roads to connect to the Newtown Rail Trail
• Neshaminy Greenway Trail – Links the center of Village Shires to the county’s proposed Neshaminy Greenway trail, which would extend along the Neshaminy Creek from Chalfont to the Delaware River
• Upper Holland Road – Bike facilities would cover the length of Upper Holland Road from Second Street Pike to Holland Road
• Middle Holland Road – Dedicated bike lanes would link Council Rock South to Old Jordan Road and the Newtown Rail Trail
• Newtown Richboro Road – Extends from the commercial center of Richboro to the intersection of St. Leonards Road and Newtown Richboro Road. Would connect to the Northampton Township Recreation Complex and, via the proposed Neshaminy Greenway Trail, to Tyler State Park
• Temperance Lane – Connects the northwestern portion of the township to the commercial center of Richboro
• Buck Road – Links the Village of Holland to Holland Middle School, spanning Buck Road from the intersection of Holland and Buck roads, and East Holland Road, via the existing pathway on the Hillcrest Elementary and Holland Middle School property
• Stoneyford Road - Links the neighborhoods along Stoneyford Road, and those near the intersection of Stoneyford Road and East Holland Road, to Big Meadow Park and the Neshaminy Greenway Trail at Big Meadow Park
• Tanyard Road – Running from Jacksonville Road to Bustleton Pike, this segment would provide easy access to Richboro

Buck County Planning Commission staff and the Northampton Township board of supervisors will be at the session to answer questions and take public input.

Details about the Northampton trail system plan may be found on the township's website.