Montour Trail-Letter

by Stan Sattinger

"DIG WE MUST" is a phrase often seen on signboards at construction projects. In our case, "DUMP WE MUST" would be more appropriate. Under a special agreement with MTC and with funding provided by Pennsylvania DEP, the Montour Run Watershed Association (MRWA) will be hiring a contractor to install carbonate rock linings in sections of the banks of Montour Run. This will be done to retard further erosion due to the increased runoff of storm water while helping neutralize acid from abandoned mine drainage. Particularly heavy scouring has been occurring along the main trunk of Montour Run, undermining the wearing surface of Airport-area sections of the Montour Trail.

The only useable means of access to the areas that require stabilization is via the Trail. To protect the safety of Trail users during the construction period, the contractor will be placing barriers closing off certain sections to use by pedestrians and bikers. The closed-off sections will include Groveton to Hassam Road, short sections beneath the bridge on Beaver Grade Road and near Schmidt's Tavern, and Enlow Road to Five Points. At this time we don't know how many of these sections will need to be closed off simultaneously, but the planned period of construction falls within the month of June. MRWA regrets this disruption to routine Trail use but will appreciate the patience and cooperation of Trail users as we work to protect the stream banks.

Nearly 1300 lineal feet of rip-rap stone are to be placed at twelve designated sites along the main trunk of Montour Run. These sites are located in Moon and Findlay Townships. Allegheny County engineer and MTC Board member Dave Wright has been doing much of the work involved in obtaining permits and preparing bidding documents for this project.