Purpose and Need Statement

Purpose and Need sets the stage for consideration of the alternatives and is a fundamental requirement in the development of a project that will require future NEPA documentation.

Description

The Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail is a multiuse paved trail that winds along Rancocas Creek from Amico Island in Delran to Pennington Park in Delanco, Burlington County. The trail traverses a mix of suburban and natural landscapes, offering a peaceful experience through parklands, wooded areas, and scenic waterfronts. Often lined with trees and rich in native vegetation, the trail provides beautiful views of the creek and its tributaries. It is part of the Greater Philadelphia Circuit Trails, an 800+ mile regional network of interconnected trails.

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to identify, evaluate, and advance a safe and feasible alternative to extend the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail across State Route 130 and the Rancocas Creek. The project seeks to connect three (3) Burlington County Park properties—Pennington Park, Willingboro Lakes Park, and Rainbow Meadow Park (formerly Laurel Run Park)—to adjacent neighborhoods and the regional Circuit Trails network. The project will result in a Preliminary Preferred Alternative that reflects public and agency input, technical feasibility, and environmental and economic considerations, while addressing critical safety, mobility, and connectivity needs.

The area of the proposed trail, however, presents notable challenges for walking and biking. U.S. Route 130 is heavily traveled and lacks pedestrian-friendly features, making it difficult and unsafe for nonmotorized travel. In addition, crossing Rancocas Creek poses a significant barrier to connectivity. Extending the Greenway Trail through this area will provide a much-needed safe and accessible link between the three (3) parks.

Need

This segment of the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail presents the most significant challenge to provide a continuous, safe alignment for bicyclists and pedestrians due to physical barriers created by Route 130 and the Rancocas Creek.

Route 130 is an urban principal arterial with six through lanes, high traffic volumes, and a posted speed of 50 mph. The study area contains multiple ramps and two major intersections (Route 130 at Bridgeboro Road and Beverly Road) with no sidewalks, crosswalks, or ADA-compliant curb ramps. Lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities diminishes driver awareness of non-motorized users, creating hazardous conditions.

The existing Route 130 bridge includes only a narrow, disconnected sidewalk on the northbound side, with no safe or ADA-compliant connections to adjacent neighborhoods or trail corridors. There is no safe bicycle or pedestrian crossing of either Route 130 or the Rancocas Creek in this area, creating a critical barrier between residential neighborhoods, county parks, and the regional Circuit Trails network.

Intersections are typically the most dangerous part of the roadway for bicyclists and pedestrians and are the site of a majority of conflicts with motorists. Route 130 has been repeatedly identified as the most dangerous roadway for pedestrians in New Jersey (Tri-State Transportation Campaign).

Improving safety and connectivity along Route 130 will significantly enhance access to diverse transportation options, recreational facilities, and commercial areas for surrounding communities, creating better connections between residents and key destinations.

Goals and Objectives

The goal of this project is to extend Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail to three (3) Burlington County Park properties and to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along Route 130 between Bridgeboro Street to Beverly Road / Mt. Holly Road that enhances the quality of life and active transportation access while minimizing environmental, right of way and utility impacts. Proposed improvements will consider impacts to local residents, business owners, emergency services and disadvantaged groups. The design of the project will also consider additional goals and objectives obtained via stakeholder and public outreach. While the project may not be able to fully satisfy all the goals and objectives, as many as possible should be addressed. Specific objectives include:

Improve bicycle and pedestrian access across Route 130 and Rancocas Creek.
Consider the context of the project area and identify opportunities for aesthetic enhancements.
Incorporate context-sensitive design and aesthetic enhancements that reflect the surrounding environment.
Provide access to recreational, economic, and transportation opportunities for all users.
Consider stakeholder and public input throughout the design and decision-making process.
Minimize impacts during construction.
Support Burlington County’s and DVRPC’s regional transportation goals by preserving and enhancing existing infrastructure, promoting safety, and improving system connectivity.