Franklin County Seeks Community Feedback On Rail Trail Extension Project

Bicyclists and hikers enjoy the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail between Shippensburg and Newville, Cumberland County.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Metropolitan Planning Organization (FCMPO) has launched an online survey to solicit public input on expanding the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail (CVRT) from Shippensburg south to Chambersburg.

Through the survey, available at https://arcg.is/Xv9, participants can offer feedback on possible trail alignments as well as significant destinations – such as shopping centers, parks and downtown areas – they would like to see accessible from the trail. The survey is open through Oct. 15.

The public is also invited to provide feedback during a community open house set for 5 p.m. Oct. 2 in the Franklin County Administration Building at 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg.

The survey and open house are part of the FCMPO’s Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Feasibility Study to assess the viability of extending the CVRT from its southern terminus near Shippensburg into Franklin County to connect to the Chambersburg Rail Trail. When complete, the study will present an analysis of important factors such as how the new extension could connect to the two existing trails, how residents and users would utilize the expanded trail, and the potential economic benefits of the 10- to 12-mile extension. Public input is crucial to the decision-making process as the FCMPO considers possible trail alignments as well as potential features and amenities to be incorporated along the trail.

“The FCMPO is seeking to engage all users of active transportation: students, workers, seniors, business owners and tourists,” said Steve Thomas, director of Franklin County’s planning department and member of the FCMPO’s technical advisory committee. “By working together to define our goals, we can begin identifying the potential placement of the trail extension and the best way for it to benefit all local residents and visitors. This trail will be a positive step toward improving Franklin County’s recreation options and economic development potential.”

The FCMPO is leading the study in cooperation with the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail Council and with technical consulting assistance from Michael Baker International Inc. The study is being guided by a project steering committee of representatives with vested interests in the community, health and recreation across Franklin County.

The multiuse CVRT follows the path of the former Cumberland Valley Railroad and currently features 13 continuous miles of trail between Shippensburg to Newville. It is part of the 9/11 National Memorial Trail, and nearly 100,000 individuals are estimated to use the CVRT each year.

Long-term plans include connecting the CVRT to the Chambersburg Rail Trail and points beyond, eventually meeting the C&O Canal Towpath in Washington County, Maryland.

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