Before I begin telling you all this I should make it clear that there are no plans, proposals, funds, or any other firm commitment to what is, at this point, simply an idea of a possibility that is yet to be born into anything resembling reality.
West Easton residents are aware of the train trestle that crosses over Spring Street. It is part of an old railway line that West Easton owns. The trestle, due to its appearance had been given a state inspection, at the request of the 2016 Council, to find out what the condition of the trestle truly was. I had expected it would fail.
In fact, though a few boards were compromised to a point, it was determined that the support system is sound and there is no concern of failure at this time.
So, the trestle remains – unused and fenced off from access on each side. But, at some point in the future it will succumb to age and elements without maintenance. Eventually it will have to come down. Not anytime soon, but someday. When that day comes, the cost will fall upon the taxpayers of West Easton.
What if there was a way to not only save it, but to make use of it? To have it noted as not only a West Easton Landmark, but an attraction to visitors? To save it at a cost that West Easton residents would not have to bear?
This occurred to me during the discussion with Mr. Bryan Cope, from Northampton County Open Space (DCOS) when we were going over the $21,000 in grant money I wrote about previously. Mr. Cope mentioned he was also part of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail Alliance.
As it turns out, West Easton is in a section that causes a gap in trails that could connect paths from Easton, Wilson, and Palmer. Our trestle and the railway paths that run through West Easton, that lead to those other communities, would connect those trails.
Most residents may not have been on that trestle, but the view is impressive, which is why I invited Mr. Cope to see the trestle for himself, up close. Myself, Dan DePaul, and Mr. Cope walked to the trestle from the Ridge Street side, below Niko Park. Walking in, Mr. Cope noted that a switchback stairway could be put along the steep hill to access Niko Park. A spur could be added leading down to Gross Park from the main path (railway line).
He liked the trestle and saw the potential, though it would be an expensive project, he noted. I conveyed that I agreed, but West Easton would be looking for grants, not to fund the project. D&L Trail Alliance would have to assist in grants. We were invited to one of their bi-annual meetings where all the representatives from the different departments of their organization discuss progress.
Yesterday evening, I attended that D&L Trail Alliance meeting, along with Dan DePaul and newly appointed Councilman Peter Mammana. It gave us a chance to network and to forward a possibility of offering our trestle and paths to their trails system, as a “Contributor” (As with all the trails and components that the D&L Trail Alliance uses, ownership is retained by the “Contributor,” with maintenance being the only requirement after completion).
To make this a short story, representatives from D&L Trail Alliance will be making a visit to West Easton at a future date to look at the trestle and walk all the old railway paths in West Easton.
They will either decide if it is a worthwhile endeavor to work with us in helping to obtain grants, or pass. If accepted by D&L, their offer of assistance would then be presented to Council for a vote to proceed.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
