Trail Closure Notice – Butler Freeport Community Trail

Happy Fall,
 
Trail Closure Notice – Butler Freeport Community Trail
The Butler Freeport Community Trail Council announces a temporary closure of the trail between the Monroe Road Trailhead and the Bear Creek Road Trailhead. This approximately one-mile section will be closed to all traffic to allow for critical streambank remediation. Mobilization will begin within a week, and anticipated trail closure date of November 17th. 
Due to the narrowness of the corridor and the size of the construction equipment, passage through this section will not be permitted. There will be no recommended detour. Instead, we encourage trail users to explore the five miles of open trail from Monroe Road to Freeport or the stretch from Kaufman Drive to Bear Creek Road. With 20 additional miles of trail open and available, this is a great opportunity to discover another section you may not have visited before.
Why This Work is Necessary
The trail in this location has experienced severe streambank erosion. Several years ago, emergency repairs were made at a cost of $80,000, covered entirely out of pocket. At that time, it became clear that a proactive, long-term solution was needed. Without addressing this issue, the risk of losing the trail entirely is inevitable.
The Buffalo Township Supervisors, recognizing the urgency of this project, applied for and secured a PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside grant to fund the remediation. The contract was recently awarded to Plum Contracting of Pittsburgh.
Scope of Work
The project will include the removal of a sand bar in Buffalo Creek, and placement of large riprap along the embankment to stabilize the bank.
A Message to Trail Users
We ask all trail users to respect the closure and stay out of the work area for safety, be patient as this important project is completed, and enjoy other open sections of the trail in the meantime
This is a case of short-term pain for long-term gain. Once complete, the remediation will protect the trail for decades to come, ensuring it remains a safe and scenic asset for the community.
For updates on full trail closure, visit www.butlerfreeporttrail.org or https://www.facebook.com/groups/butlerfreeporttrail
Quarterly Trail meeting November 3rd, 6pm @ the Buffalo Creek Nature Center, 154 Monroe Rd, Sarver.
Save the date Christmas Open Caboose December 6th, noon-2:30.  Merch available for purchase.
Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage

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Happy Trails

Chris Ziegler
President
Butler Freeport Community Trail Council