Campbell Thomas & Co. served as the lead
design consultant for the conversion of the abandoned Strafford Branch
of the former Philadelphia & Western Railroad to trail use.
This project spanned 20 years from conception to
completion and was the subject of considerable
controversy. In addition to our planning, design and
construction phase services, CTC facilitated over
sixty public and individual citizen meetings to
develop the most appropriate trail design to link
residential, cultural and commercial areas, as an
alternative to the township’s narrow roadways and
ever-increasing motor vehicle traffic.
Prior to receiving the go-ahead for design, CTC
prepared a feasibility study for approval by PennDOT
and the Radnor Township Board of Commissioners. This
study documented a plan whereby PennDOT retains
ownership of the right-of-way, which had been acquired
for a highway that was never constructed.
PennDOT also continues to inspect seven historic steel
bridges, while Radnor Township manages the 2.2 mile
long trail as part of the overall township park
system.
The Radnor Trail runs the length of the township,
linking numerous communities, parks, cultural
institutions, and commercial areas. Having been
completed, it is now tremendously popular and heavily
used by Township residents and area hikers / bikers as
well. Plans are now underway for an eastward extension
to Martha Brown’s Woods and Ithan Village.
