Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act Passes Congress

With this new construction, Valley Forge Park will be linked to Chester Valley Trail, King Of Prussia Town Center and Schuylkill River Trail.

by Melissa Jacobs

Lead photo by Jason Chan

Valley Forge Park Alliance is thrilled to announce approval of construction that will enhance visitors’ use of Valley Forge National Historical Park. When completed, a new segment of a transformative, multi-use trail will link the Chester Valley Trail through the King of Prussia Town Center along North Gulph Road through the Park to the Schuylkill River Trail.

Also in the works: Enhancements to the park entrance at North Gulph Road. The two new improvements came to fruition thanks to park champions U.S. House Reps. Madeleine Dean, Chrissy Houlahan and Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. Senator Bob Casey and former U.S. Senator Pat Toomey who sponsored crucial legislation surrounding the projects.

The North Gulph Road Relocation Project is the last of a four-phase overhaul of Route 422 traffic flow around Valley Forge National Historical Park. This final phase is highly beneficial to the park as it will reconnect approximately eight acres of park lands by moving the road to the park boundary, create an appropriate and scenic main park gateway entrance, and relocate the large traffic intersection away from the park. Once relocated, the eastern section of the former roadbed will be regraded and paved as a family-friendly, multiuse trail.

“Valley Forge National Historical Park is a treasure in our region, and the Valley Forge Park Realignment Permit and Promise Act will help move their park improvements forward,” said Dean. “This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense way to ensure park renovations are completed without further delay. I’m grateful to the park planners and the Valley Forge Park Alliance for bringing this to our attention and happy to contribute to the connectivity and aesthetic of such a valuable resource.” 

In 2017, Valley Forge Park Alliance sponsored a feasibility study for the North Gulph Road Trail. When the road moves to its new location, the trail will be constructed in the location of the old road, providing car-free park access to thousands of residents and employees. When fully constructed, the trail will connect the Schuylkill River Trail to the Chester Valley Trail. 

“The segments of North Gulph Road Connector Trail when completed will directly connect the Schuylkill River Trail and the Chester Valley Trail to one of the region’s leading cultural and recreational sites – Valley Forge National Historical Park – and to King of Prussia and the Village at Valley Forge, a booming mixed-use node of residential, entertainment, office and commercial uses,” said Chris Linn, AICP Manager, Office of Climate and Environment Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. “This key multi-use trail will enable safe and efficient active transportation options between these destinations, thereby transforming transportation and recreation opportunities for the tens of thousands of individuals who live, work and visit this unique area.” 

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Want more stories about our region? Read The Insiders’ Guide To Phoenixville and The Insiders’ Guide To Manayunk.

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