At a press conference July 23, city officials joined local, regional, and state partners to announce a series of transformative transportation and infrastructure investments that will move the city forward in its commitment to carbon reduction and sustainable, multimodal travel.

Speaking at a press conference alongside officials from the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Northampton County, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and other partners, Mayor J. William Reynolds announced that the long-anticipated final phase of the South Bethlehem Greenway construction is fully funded and will now move into the design and engineering stage, followed by construction in 2026. The complete construction project will include the installation of a 12 foot wide trail, which will be ADA-compliant and include landscaping with native plants, benches, wayfinding signs and trash receptacles.

LVTS presented the city with $500,000 through the federally funded and regulated Transportation Alternative Set-Aside (TASA) Program, which covers a two-year period of 2025-26. The projects selected go toward the implementation of FutureLV: The Regional Plan and Walk/RollLV: Active Transportation Plan. “Through the TASA program, planners and project sponsors have the power to reshape communities – creating connected networks that move people safely, and fill infrastructure gaps while linking opportunities, services and people to each other,” said LVTS Coordinating Committee Chair Rick Molchany.

“Trails like the South Bethlehem Greenway boost quality of life and play a key role as car-free connectors, helping build community and economic competitiveness,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz said of awarding the city $500,000 for construction. “We thank the City of Bethlehem for prioritizing access to trails and being an example that investing in trails is key in spurring revitalization efforts and economic growth in our communities.”

Northampton County Executive Lamont G. McClure presented the city with a $300,000 check via the Livable Landscapes Grant and said, “The City of Bethlehem has been a leader in creating vibrant, connected communities, and Northampton County is proud to be a partner in this effort. Projects like this demonstrate that strategic funding through the Livable Landscapes Grant Program isn’t just about building trails; we’re building healthier communities, enhancing access to green space, and investing in the long-term well-being of our residents.”

This construction will close one of Pennsylvania’s Top 10 trail gaps and complete a final phase of the South Bethlehem Greenway, which has been in development for over two decades. The project represents continued and transformative investment in Bethlehem’s multimodal trail network.

Once completed, the South Bethlehem Greenway will provide continuous travel along a 13.7-mile corridor that serves residents and visitors in Bethlehem, Hellertown, Coopersburg and Quakertown, enhancing connectivity between neighborhoods, parks and downtown destinations.

“We are making significant progress on changing the way people move throughout our city. The City of Bethlehem thanks LVTS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and DCNR, Northampton County, Senator Boscola, and Rep. Samuelson, for their incredible partnership in fully funding the construction of the final phase of our Greenway. We have a healthier and more sustainable community because of their unwavering support.

The South Bethlehem Greenway is a community defining project for our city and it wouldn’t have happened without the support of all these partners. We can’t say thank you enough,” said Mayor J. William Reynolds.

The land to complete this project was purchased by the city from Norfolk Southern in late 2024, thanks to funding from PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Highlands Conservation Act Grant), Northampton County Livable Landscapes Grant Program and Community Project Funding directed by Congresswoman Susan Wild.

Rep. Steve Samuelson said, “The South Bethlehem Greenway has been a ribbon of connectivity in our community for years, and just a mile south of where the Greenway reaches Saucon Park, the Saucon Rail Trail and Upper Bucks Rail Trail extend from Hellertown all the way to Quakertown,” said Samuelson. “Closing the trail gap and connecting these magnificent public spaces is happening thanks to the leadership of the City of Bethlehem with significant funding from the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study, along with state, federal and county partners. This trail will be celebrated by walkers, runners, and cyclists for decades to come.”

Funds to complete the final construction of the Greenway have been generously donated by:

• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – $500,000

• Lehigh Valley Transportation Study – $500,000

• Northampton County via the Livable Landscapes Grant – $300,000

In addition to the Greenway announcement, the city unveiled two other significant transportation initiatives:

Linden Street Conversion to Two-Way Traffic

After years of public feedback and planning, the city will move forward with the conversion of Linden Street from one-way to two-way traffic between Church and Fairview Street, connecting to the existing two-way roadway. This will make the entirety of Linden between Elizabeth Avenue and the Fahy Bridge two-way traffic. This change is designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety for all road users, including drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

LVTS presented the City with a check for $1.8 million to support this important initiative.

Executive Director of Coalition for Appropriate Transportation Scott Slingerland said, “In its current configuration, Linden Street is a one-way racetrack, with two lanes for car drivers to go too fast and jockey for position – at the expense of pedestrians and residents.”

Broad Street Multimodal Corridor Project The Broad Street Multimodal Corridor Project is a cornerstone of Bethlehem’s Safe Streets and

Carbon Reduction Strategy. This ambitious project will redesign Broad Street to better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and drivers through safer intersections, upgraded crossings and modernized streetscapes.

As well as the nearly $10 million secured through the Safe Streets for All grant, LVTS also presented the city with an additional $1.4 million to bring this project to fruition.

This event featured remarks from Rep. Steve Samuelson, Scott Slingerland of the CAT, and funding presentations from Ryan Meyer (LVTS), Becky Bradley (LVPC), Claire Jantz (DCNR), and Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure.

Mayor Reynolds concluded the press conference by reaffirming Bethlehem’s mission: To move people – not just cars – through the city safely, sustainably and equitably.

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