Through the Enola Low Grade Rail Trail – Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge Rehabilitation Project, Manor Township will rehabilitate the 0.3-mile trestle bridge in order to connect the Township’s existing 5.2-mile Township section of trail to a 23-mile section of trail currently under development, filling a gap in a regionally significant greenway.

Project Overview
Manor Township began its quest to acquire this portion of the Enola Low Grade for a rail trail in February 2006. Following extensive negotiations with Norfolk Southern, the property was transferred to Manor Township in June 2012. The twelve-foot-wide Manor Township Enola Low Grade Rail Trail, constructed entirely by the Manor Township Public Works Department, opened in August 2013 and has been heavily used and highly praised. The design of the trail incorporates and preserves the railroading history as well as the significant natural beauty of the Susquehanna River and the rock walls along the trail, while ensuring an ideal trail surface for walking, jogging, and biking. The railroad’s catenary poles were incorporated into the design, as were the historic railroad signal huts and mile markers.
Currently, the trail terminates at the northern end of the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge over the Conestoga River. The rehabilitation of this historic bridge would connect the existing 5.2-mile section to the western terminus of a 23-mile section of trail currently under development. The Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge Rehabilitation, when complete, will enable and result in over 28 miles of continuous trail. The bridge, when opened, will be the second longest rail trail trestle bridge in the state of Pennsylvania. Only the Salisbury Viaduct in Somerset County is longer by approximately 300 feet. This project offers a unique opportunity to link many existing and potential recreation and conservation areas together and serve as a regional recreation and heritage resource.


Project Cost and Schedule
Manor Township has ownership of the entire 0.3-mile trestle bridge and the connecting sections of trail on either side and is committed to implementing this critical connection. Construction and engineering costs for rehabilitating the bridge are estimated at $7.4 million. Manor Township has developed a funding strategy and has focused on addressing the most critical cleaning and steel repairs in order to return the bridge to a safe and functional state for trail use. The Township is now looking to secure the remaining construction funding necessary to begin rehabilitation work in 2019.

Partnership and Sponsorship Opportunities
The Manor Township Enola Low Grade Rail Trail has benefitted from strong support on many levels and Manor Township recognizes that the completion of a project of this magnitude will require widespread commitment and continued support from various partners. Local partners include the Lancaster County Commissioners and Planning Commission, the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, and the Lancaster County Conservancy. At the state level, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation continue to provide both critical funding and technical assistance.
Manor Township is continuing to pursue additional partnerships and funding to complete the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge Rehabilitation project. The Township is seeking contributions at the following sponsorship levels and intends to recognize its donors on a trail sign at the bridge in addition to formal recognition at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opening ceremony when the connection is complete. Manor Township values its relationships with its donors and appreciates the opportunity to work together toward this statement project that will significantly benefit the community and region.
Sponsorship Levels
Platinum ($50,000 and above)
- Company logo on bridge promotional materials
- Recognition on kiosk at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge
- Speaking opportunity at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opening ceremony
- Formal recognition at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opening ceremony and presentation of donor appreciation plaque
- Rail spike trophy with donor name and amount of donation
Gold ($25,000 – $49,999)
- Company logo on bridge promotional materials
- Recognition on kiosk at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge
- Formal recognition at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opening ceremony and presentation of donor appreciation plaque
- Rail spike trophy with donor name and amount of donation
Silver ($5,000 – $24,999)
- Company logo on bridge promotional materials
- Recognition on kiosk at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge
- Formal recognition at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opening ceremony and presentation of donor appreciation plaque
Bronze ($1,000 – $4,999)
- Recognition on the pedestrian railing of the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge
- Formal recognition at the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge opening ceremony
Friends of the Trail ($500 – $999)
- Recognition on the pedestrian railing of the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge
Sponsor the Safe Harbor Trestle Bridge Capital Campaign
*Donations are tax deductible.
If you would like to donate via check, checks can be made payable to Manor Township and mailed to: 950 West Fairway Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603. Please place a note in the memo for Safe Habor Bridge Campaign.
– Thank you, Ryan Strohecker, Township Manager

Project Contact Information
Ryan Strohecker, Township Manager
Manor Township
950 West Fairway Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
717.397.4769
Mark Harris, Public Works Director
Manor Township
950 West Fairway Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
717.397.4769
Jim Caldwell
RETTEW Associates, Inc.
3020 Columbia Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
717.394.3721