The Kiski Junction Gap has been officially added to Pennsylvania’s Top Ten Trail Gaps list by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), with support from Governor Josh Shapiro. Its inclusion on the statewide priority list highlights the project’s importance and may increase its visibility and eligibility for diverse funding sources.
The Kiski Junction Gap is a missing section of trail at the former Kiski Junction Railroad site in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. As the final gap on the Butler to Brookville Route, it blocks a continuous 130+ miles of trail and limits connections to regional and statewide networks; closing it would place the corridor on Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 100+-mile list, tied for #6 in the nation.
Currently, trail users are stopped at the southern end of the Kiski Bridge, due to an active rail line. No ADA-compliant, legal, non-motorized option exists. An ADA-compliant flyover bridge with a switchback will carry users safely over the railroad and close the gap.
Why It Matters
- Safety
Eliminates a dangerous rail crossing that trail users cannot legally or safely traverse. - Connectivity
Once complete, the gap closure will connect more than 130-miles, with
neighboring trails, knitting together a continuous corridor across multiple counties. - Regional Impact
The gap is a linchpin for larger trail systems, including:- 270-mile Erie to Pittsburgh Trail
- 320-mile Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway
- 130+-mile Butler to Brookville Route
(160-miles utilizing spurs-Sligo Spur, East Brady Spur, Brady Tunnel Spur, and the Leechburg Towpath and trail segments like the Armstrong Trails, Tredway Trail, Redbank Valley Trails, and Butler Freeport Community Trail)
History of Trail Improvements
Over the past seven years, Armstrong Trails has successfully completed several major gap closures and large infrastructure projects, including:
- Climax Tunnel (PA Top Ten Trail Gap-closed in 2019)
- Brady Tunnel (PA Top Ten Trail Gap-closed in 2024)
- Sarah Furnace to Upper Hillville Connection (PA Trail Gap)
- Kiski Junction Railroad Acquisition
- Kiski Corridor and Leechburg Towpath Development-14 miles of new trail Rehabilitation of the Kiski Bridge into a bicycle and pedestrian crossing
Together, these initiatives represent more than $20 million in infrastructure investment since 2018. Notably, both the Kiski Junction Railroad acquisition/development and the Kiski Bridge
rehabilitation were completed before being placed on the state’s priority list, demonstrating Armstrong Trails’ proven ability to deliver transformational projects.
Statewide and Local Impact
“Inclusion on Pennsylvania’s Top Ten Trail Gaps list demonstrates the Commonwealth’s recognition of the project’s importance to public safety, regional connectivity, and community
well-being,” said Chris Ziegler, Executive Director of Armstrong Trails.
Governor Josh Shapiro and DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn emphasized that closing trail gaps is central to Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation strategy, an effort that not only improves
quality of life but also stimulates local tourism and economic growth in communities along the trails.
Local Voices on Designation
“When trail users stop in town, they’re looking for a good cup of coffee, or a place to cool off. Every new connection brings more riders and walkers through our doors.
Closing the Kiski Junction Gap will increase trail traffic and that’s good for every small business here.”
Virginia Lindsay and Karen Toy Heilman
1833 Coffee & Tea Company, Freeport
“As an Airbnb owner along Armstrong Trails, we are thrilled to see the new flyover connection to Freeport moving forward. We have already seen an increase in stays since the trail was extended in 2024. It’s a big win for tourism and for all the small businesses, and hosts who’ve been investing in this region’s growth.”
Ashley Coudriet
AirBNB Operator, Trailside-Gilpin Township
“The trail is our lifeline to our family-owned business. A fully connected corridor means more rentals, more repairs, and more people discovering cycling. Closing the gap will turn our region into a destination for long-distance riders and weekend visitors alike.”
Jim Yurek
The Bike Lab (Kittanning)
“Bridge and trail connections help to attract tourism and economic activity for small towns throughout the region. I’m pleased to continue supporting efforts to provide increased access to outdoor recreational opportunities, which serve as true investments in our communities.”
Sen. Joe Pittman
41st District
“We are proud to support the Kiski Junction Gap initiative, a transformative project that strengthens regional trail connectivity and promotes safe, accessible outdoor recreation for all. At the same time, this effort reflects our commitment to conservation and sustainable recreation—safeguarding natural landscapes while encouraging low-impact travel and preserving western Pennsylvania’s scenic beauty for future generations.”
John Barsotti, President
Colcom Foundation
Future Plans
With the new designation, Armstrong Trails, in partnership with Allegheny Township, Hillman Foundation, Colcom Foundation and the Richard King Mellon Foundation, are advancing the project through the Design, Engineering, and Permitting phase funded and underway, leading to a shovel-ready project for construction.

Kiski Junction Gap Map, courtesy of Armstrong Trails
About Armstrong Trails
Armstrong Trails will protect and convert railroad corridors into trails for public use, thereby
providing opportunities for commuters and outdoor recreational activities. Our projects will
maintain the integrity of these corridors for future transportation use while acting as an economic
stimulus for the area communities.
Media Contact
Chris Ziegler Executive Director
Armstrong Trails