BikePGH Message Board Archive

Houston PA to Westland Branch Montour Trail

So I’ve identified this abandoned rail line that used to run from Houston out to Westland where it connected with the Montour RR branch via a bridge over 519 where the current rail yard is. Ive identified the owners of the right of way, primarily Pittsburgh Industrial RR as well as Allegheny Ludlum where it passes near their plant. Ideally this would provide the impetus to create a dedicated bike path to Canonsburg and perhaps Southpointe, where it could connect again to the Montour mainline creating a loop. Since I’m very local to this area and I doubt anyone else on here is, can anyone give me advice for the first steps toward a personal project to make this Rail to Trail a reality? Should I go to a council meeting with a PowerPoint ready? Knock on doors to gather signatures? Contact the property owners to see their willingness to cooperate? I’d also like to contact the Montour Trail Council for advice but I know these are long expensive projects with studies and meetings...I just need to know what the first step would be to try to make it a reality. Thanks for any input, really reading that thread about the passion you guys have for the Turtle Creek trail made me decide this would be a good place to start to ask for advice.

pit2mad

2018-03-18 13:59:00

I think these projects grow from a community. So you want to work with other bikers as part of a group that also works with local political leaders, to build momentum. Eventually, there will be enough interest for a feasibility study, with negotiations with stakeholders. It's a long process, but it does work, so long as there's somebody to drive it forward. I think you could benefit from discussions with other community group leaders (the Montour Trail Council would be a great place to meet some of them and to get contacts to others.)

jonawebb

2018-03-19 10:27:32

I thought I had responded to this already. The PIRR line that runs generally north south through this area is now operating as the Pittsburgh and Ohio Central's Arden line, and is still in active use. The Wheeling and Lake Erie line that runs generally east-west through this area (although a bit to the north of Westland, is also still in use. There is a new spur line to Westland that the railroad built a couple of years ago. That project included a relocation of a portion of the Montour Trail. I also found this, regarding a Pennsylvania Railroad line that once ran through the area. http://marcelluscoalition.org/2011/02/westland-branch-redux-a-story-25-years-in-the-making/ Given the information in that article, it looks like the Montour Trail Council might have already looked into opportunities in this area. I'd recommend you contact them first, to avoid replicating any steps they have already taken.

swalfoort

2018-03-28 12:21:09