Third Street Bridge: Design Considerations

Aug 19, 2024 by Friends of the Glen

Representatives from the Friends of Glen Providence Park spoke at the July 18 Media Borough Council meeting about the Third Street Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge Project. A summary of our comments is below and in a pdf at the bottom, along with links to further information. Although our organization is dissolving at the end of 2024, Glen Providence Park remains a gem worth protecting.

——————

Friends of Glen Providence Park started in July 2011 in response to the threat from the proposed replacement of a high-hazard dam and vehicular road at Third Street, which would have destroyed 1.1 serene and wooded acres of the park. We advocated extensively for 12 years to minimize harm to the glen’s woods, wetlands, plants, and wildlife. As the dam has been removed, and Media Borough currently plans a pedestrian-bicycle bridge at Third Street – with stream restoration upstream at Broomall’s Lake Country Club (BLCC) – we have the following observations, concerns, and requests:

Environmental & Historical Considerations

Broomall’s Run is a connected ecosystem, encompassing Broomall’s Lake Country Club upstream and Glen Providence Park downstream:

Project will impact water quality and stream health in the park, and its 19 reptile & amphibian, 130 bird, and 58+ tree species
The park’s acre abutting the bridge is a rich habitat with natural springs, seeps, and wetlands, and 76 mature trees
County’s Conservation Easement with BLCC – meant to protect the connected ecosystem and the park – is not mentioned in the contractors’ proposals and should be prioritized

Glen Providence Park is a historic and natural resource for Delaware County, Media Borough, and Upper Providence:

Donated in 1935 as a bird sanctuary and arboretum
Structures and trails built by Works Progress Administration
Park determined eligible for National Historic Register in 2002
This historic and natural setting should be reflected in the project design

Borough stormwater management and resulting erosion:

Stream erosion from stormwater runoff at Third Street is arguably one of the biggest current threats to the park
The resulting large downed trees and undercut trails and streambanks create environmental and safety issues
This critically important issue, which is omitted from the project parameters for the Third Street Bridge, should be addressed

Design Process & Public Participation

The Third Street Project is a state-funded transportation project, with PennDOT requiring:

Analysis of alternative designs based on minimizing harm to adjacent park
Public participation in design reviews

PennDOT’s definition of Key Stakeholders:

Extends beyond property owners
Includes environmental advocates, park and trail users
Considers the plant and animal life in the project area

Public input is valuable:

Offers resources, perspective and experience
Fosters public support during construction
Informs project manager’s expectations of professional team

The public should be regularly updated on the project progress, timeline, and the contractors’ monthly status reports through:

Borough Website and newsletter
Council Workshop or Legislative Meetings
Special Public Hearings

We ask that Media Borough Council actively consider and protect Glen Providence Park in the design and construction of the Third Street Pedestrian-Bicycle Bridge.

——————

You can view and download our handout below.

Third Street Bridge Design Considerations 7-18-2024 Download

There is much more information about the Third Street Project on our website: