Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary, John Quigley, joined Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham and other officials in Cementon on March 29 to dedicate the newest section of the D&L Trail, a 2.8-mile segment that begins at the Route 329 bridge in Cementon and ends at Laurys Station.

The new limestone segment is the second portion of the D&L Trail to open in Lehigh County since the county purchased 17 miles of abandoned Lehigh Valley Railroad bed in 2002. The first segment to open was 2.5 miles between Slatington and the Lehigh County/Carbon County border at Lehigh Gap.

“Trail connections are a top priority in our Lehigh Valley Greenways conservation landscape effort, and this section of the D&L Trail is our most recent success,” said Quigley. “This newest section is a culmination of many years of hard work and demonstrates that strong partnerships, strategic grant making, and more meaningful engagement with citizens do pay off.”

Cunningham, who was joined by county Director of General Services, Jan Creedon, cited the trail’s importance in Pennsylvania history, particularly its industrial and agricultural past. He also noted that the development of the D&L Trail and its network of spur trails “promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages physical fitness,” a growing concern in the Lehigh Valley and across the nation.

Lehigh County received a matching grant of $110,800 from DCNR to construct the new segment. The total project cost was $223,000. The D&L provided surveying, engineering and technical support as well as signage. The Wildlands Conservancy of Emmaus, under the direction of President Chris Kocher, assisted in securing easements for trail access. The Lehigh County Parks Department under Superintendent Robert Stiffler, cleared the trail prior to construction.

Other officials attending the dedication included Linda Snyder, President of the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, and Mayor Edward Hozza of Whitehall Township.

“This is very exciting,” said D&L Executive Director, Allen Sachse. “It is a vital link to establish a 165-mile D&L Trail. Without the partnership of Lehigh County, this regional connection of the D&L Trail would not have been possible.”