Ashmore Pedestrian Bridge

Started in 1988 under the Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership, the Rails to Trails Committee developed a public hike and bike trail along abandoned rail beds left over from the coal era in Hazleton, PA. The Ashmore Pedestrian Bridge served as the trail’s missing connection over Hazle Creek and the Norfolk-Southern Railroad.

Benesch conducted a feasibility study and potential use analysis, followed by the development of detailed site plans for the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail. This part of the project included the placement of a prefabricated pedestrian bridge (115-foot single span) on existing railroad bridge abutments. Grading and fill placement were needed at the approaches–approximately 130 feet northwest and 200 feet southeast of the bridge–to tie the trail into the elevation of the structure.

Funding for the Greater Hazleton Rail Trail was provided by the state and county with local matching from community groups and volunteer fundraisers.