Repairs Underway at Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge

Construction is underway to close one of Pennsylvania’s Top 10 Trail Gaps.

The Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge is a former railroad bridge along the Enola Low Grade Trail in Manor Township, Lancaster County. The century-old bridge spans 1,500 feet across the Conestoga River where it empties into the Susquehanna River.

The bridge has never been open to walkers and bikers. But Manor Township has been working hard to rehabilitate the bridge, with the goal of inviting trail users to cross it.

“When the bridge is completed, it will become the focal point of our community,” said Ryan Strohecker, Manor Township Manager. “It’s the third-highest trestle bridge in the U.S., and it has views of both shores of the Susquehanna River.”

Once rehabilitated, the bridge will also link five miles of the Enola Low Grade Trail’s western length with more than 20 miles that are built, in design, or under construction.

Construction involves pulling up old railroad ties, repairing the steel structure, and laying new concrete deck panels.

DCNR supported bridge repairs with two grants totaling more than $1.3 million. Funding came from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

The grants funded planning and design as well as supporting the actual construction. The total project cost is estimated at $7.4 million. Other major funders included PennDOT, Lancaster County, and Manor Township.

“When government strategically invests public funding in park and trail projects, everyone benefits,” Strohecker said. “While there can be challenges working with government funding, it’s important to work through these challenges to complete the project for the good of the community. The end result of using local, county, and state public funding for the Safe Harbor Bridge will ensure that Manor Township will thrive economically in the future.”

For the latest news on bridge repairs, check out Manor Township’s Enola Low Grade Trail Facebook page.

More than 75,000 people use the Enola Low Grade Trail annually in Manor Township alone. The trail supports walking, biking, and cross-country skiing.