Burlington County is proposing an estimated $30 million boardwalk-style trail along Rancocas Creek that would connect three county parks and provide pedestrians and cyclists with an alternative to traveling along Route 130. The proposed boardwalk would connect Pennington Park, Rainbow Meadow and Willingboro Lakes as part of the county’s long-term effort to expand the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail. County officials say safety is a major reason for the project. There were 65 crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists on Route 130 from 2019 through 2024, including 10 that were fatal, according to Burlington County. “Pedestrians are not safe on the road and we are committed to doing whatever we can in order to make them safer. And if it’s giving them an alternative pathway, that might be the alternative solution,” Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said. The county expects the estimated $30 million project to be federally funded. Eckel said completing it could take years. “I think we’re looking at years, but at least we’ve gotten it started,” Eckel said. The county is seeking public feedback before the plan moves forward. Victoria Rivera, of Burlington County, described how the existing park experience abruptly gives way to the street. “So when you go all the way to the edge over here, you cross over a little bridge and it’s like, oh, it’s so cool and fun. And you get to see the train go. And then it’s just the street. It’s just like the park ends,” Rivera said. The first four miles of the Rancocas Creek Greenway Trail opened in 2022. The long-term goal is to eventually extend the trail along the full 30-mile length of Rancocas Creek. For cyclists Maryanne Barker and Kathy Ripka, longer connected trails would provide more opportunities to ride close to home. Ripka, of Cherry Hill, NJ, said she and Barker had logged 15 miles by riding around the existing trails. Barker, of Mount Laurel, said longer trails would be appealing. “I think there’s a little bit of a shortage of longer distance trails, so the opportunity to stay close to home and ride longer distances on a trail is just real appealing,” Barker said. Eckel said the expanded trail system could encourage people to be active while bringing visitors into downtown areas. “Get out. Be active and and bring new people to downtowns and explore our spaces,” Eckel said. Sanika Lipscomb, of Mount Holly, also welcomed the county’s efforts. “I enjoy, you know, just being around here, outside… I think what they’re doing for, you know, the parks in this county is pretty good,” Lipscomb said. For now, Rivera said reaching the end of the trail leaves visitors with one option. “You just got to turn yourself around and go back,” Rivera said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less