February 28, 2025
Metal Truss Bridge Showcases History, but Needs Modern-Day Repairs
The city of Easton, PA has recently announced that long-awaited repairs on the Glendon Hill Bridge are anticipated to begin in June of 2026. The repairs will last just one construction season, during which time the bridge will be closed to public use. This means that both pedestrians and drivers will need to use alternate routes to access areas near the bridge.
The Glendon Hill Bridge is a historic metal truss bridge dating back to the early 1900s. The work happening next year will include vital structural repairs as well as a refresh of the bridge’s coating. Wide enough for just one lane of traffic and a pedestrian walkway, the bridge spans 357 feet over the Lehigh River in Easton, and connects Lehigh Drive to Main Street. Notably, it provides the only vehicular access to Hugh Moore Park, the 520-acre park nestled between the Lehigh River and the Lehigh Canal. The park is home to the National Canal Museum, the Josiah White II canal boat, and other cherished public amenities like trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
How will this impact the Highlands Trail?
Hugh Moore Park is a key access point to the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, and the 165-mile historic D & L Trail that runs through it. It’s also an important access point for the PA Highlands Trail. The two trails co-align for 25 miles throughout Upper Bucks County and Northampton County, including where the trail runs across the Glendon Hill Road Bridge.
Next year’s bridge repairs are essential for preserving this piece of the city’s transportation infrastructure. However, the closure will mean that access to the park, along with its amenities, historic features, and educational programming will be disrupted. Pedestrians and cyclists can still access Hugh Moore Park via the D & L Trail if they enter at the Forks of the Delaware Trailhead, 2.3 miles to the east.
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor (DLNHC) operates the National Canal Museum and other public attractions located within Hugh Moore Park. Their mission is to preserve and interpret the D & L Trail and its associated history. DLNHC is raising funds to support their work during this period of disrupted access. Through this fundraiser, they hope to ensure that the programming and experiences they provide for the community will continue to be available despite the bridge closure.