The Warner Spur Multi-Use Trail Master Plan, a study funded by DVRPC’s Regional Trails Program and the William Penn Foundation, is now completed and illustrates how this route could become an active multi-use trail. The Warner Spur is a 1.95 mile-long former rail corridor owned by Tredyffrin Township that connects the Chester Valley Trail and Cedar Hollow Park to the Atwater development in East Whiteland Township. The master plan identifies what improvements would be necessary to convert the former rail spur to a multi-use trail, how much those improvements might cost, and steps for developing the trail. Working with McMahon Associates as the project consultant and Tredyffrin Township, the master plan process included significant public participation through the formation of a Plan Advisory Committee (PAC), numerous public meetings, and interviews with residents living adjacent to the Warner Spur corridor.

Improvements recommended within the master plan to convert the former rail corridor into a multi-use trail include:

• Refurbishing three existing bridges and adding a trail bridge over Swedesford Road and possibly over Indian Run Road;
• Drainage improvements;
• Connections to adjacent nature preserves;
• Privacy fencing/screening for adjacent residents; and,
• A scenic overlook at Valley Creek.

The consultants estimated the recommended improvements would cost between $7.1 and $8.5 million.

The master plan did not determine which agency(ies) would spearhead the development of the trail.  The purpose of the master plan was to provide the parties who may be interested in developing the trail with the information necessary to decide whether or not to take on the project.

The Warner Spur Trail is part of a longer planned trail network that includes another former rail corridor- the Devault Line, which spans from the Atwater development to Phoenixville. Together, these trails would serve as a valuable off-road commuting route and would connect the Schuylkill River Trail with the Chester Valley Trail, providing an internal recreation loop within the Circuit, Greater Philadelphia’s regional trail network.

View the full report.