Converting a highway overpass slated for demolition creates a safe crossing of a busy state road and an elevated park for trail users and the community
The goal of the I-70 Trail Connector is to ensure a safe connection between the Gwynns Falls Trail Trailhead #1 and the trail itself which will be physically separated by a state highway when the Red Line light rail system is built. Among all
trail connection options considered thus far, the bridge option is the only one that is truly safe. We are proposing that the converted bridge become a small elevated park that will serve multiple uses:
• Location of the Gwynns Falls Trail Trailhead #1.
• A community commons where users can transition from the hustle and bustle of commuting into the urban wilderness experience of Leakin Park.
• A gateway for pedestrians and bicyclists going to Baltimore City and the Inner Harbor and from the city to Baltimore County’s emerging trail network and the west.
• Lay the groundwork for transit oriented development. Adaptive reuse of the I-70 bridge is an act of community stewardship. Our request will save the Red Line and the State Highway Administration demolition money that can instead be used to convert the bridge to new community uses. A demolished bridge will simply become more construction garbage, a growing national problem.
