Many trail users know that the Montour Trail and the Panhandle Trail cross near McDonald. In fact, Montour Trail users pass over the Panhandle Trail as they cross the McDonald Viaduct. How many riders and walkers crossing the trestle have asked themselves, "How do I get from 'way up here' to 'way down there'"? The answer is trail users currently have to leave either trail and ride on local roads to make the connection.

But steps are being taken to join the two trails. A connecting trail, once used as a transfer track between the two railroads, exists but is undeveloped. Construction of a sewer project nearby is one reason the connecting trail hasn't been completed. The other cause for delay is the need to have a bridge over Robinson Run on the connecting trail. Fortunately, the foundation for such a bridge exists in the form of an abandoned 60-foot railroad span dating to the early 1900s. It's a long leap, however, from a structure carrying railroad equipment 90 years ago and abandoned over 25 years ago to a safe, attractive bridge for bicycles and pedestrians in the 21st century.

The project to convert the bridge began over a year ago with study and discussion among the trail volunteer engineering and construction experts. Their decision that the project was viable was a beginning but wasn't going anywhere unless a volunteer construction supervisor could be found to plan and oversee the project. The trail is fortunate to have among its volunteers the perfect man for the job. Jack Peth is a retired construction planner, and has been involved with the Montour Trail since its inception in the late 1980s. Jack is also experienced in trail construction, having been construction supervisor for the Quicksilver Bridge project in 2000. When Jack agreed to take on this new project, things began to roll.

Work began in early April on the bridge which is located near Noblestown Road about a half mile west of the McDonald Viaduct. Brush and trees had to be cleared from the area, the original ties had to be removed from the bridge deck, and work surfaces on the bridge deck and scaffolds underneath had to be designed and constructed. All this was necessary to prepare for the major activity for this season- the pouring of concrete blocks at both ends of the bridge to securely encase the steel bridge beams. Each box is about thirteen feet wide, two feet thick, and four feet high and contains nearly four cubic yards of concrete. The forms to hold the concrete had to be painstakingly built around and between the steel bridge beams. Corrosion control was a big part of this year's effort and we plan to give all the steelwork a fresh coat of paint, the first in about 25 to 30 years, in the 2005 construction season.

The work was challenging, difficult, and often dirty but was undertaken with enthusiasm by the typical group of committed Montour Trail volunteers. Thirty different people, with Peth leading the way, put in nearly 700 hours on the project. Nearby residents Roger McElhaney, Stan Sattinger, and John Wasco were on hand most weekends for the work. Also working most weekends were Charlie Beaumariage from Mt. Lebanon, Dave Blistan, from Bridgeville, and Dave Oyler from South Park. Pete Merther from North Fayette was always available with the trail tractor when he was needed. Jack Swisher from South Fayette helped on several occasions with the acetylene torch. Also contributing significant time to the project were Charlie Cook, John Hooten, Mark Imgrund, Gil McGurl, Rich Power, Ned Williams, and Dave Wright.

The project was closed down for the year after the flood damage to other parts of the trail. Volunteers were sorely needed elsewhere.

We'll take up where we left off in the spring and with good luck and lots of volunteer help, by next fall you'll be able to get from "way up here" to "way down there" without jumping.

John Wasco