Avoid Section Of Ma And Pa Connector Trail During Extension Project

BEL AIR, MD — A couple of complications have arose in the final phase of construction of the third segment of the Ma and Pa Connector Trail, which will delay its opening.

Harford County officials stated that the project team has identified "unforeseen site conditions" that must be resolved first.

Unknown utilities along Bynum Road had first posed a problem, but that issue has been resolved.

Now, an independent assessment shows that the existing pedestrian bridge design exceeds the vibration limitations recommended by industry standards, which must be addressed before construction can continue.

"We continue to work diligently with our engineers and contractor to address this concern and complete the trail as soon as possible," the county stated.

In the meantime, the portion of the Ma and Pa Trail from the North Avenue trailhead to the tunnel under the bypass will remain closed to the public until the repairs to the pedestrian bridge are completed. Only authorized personnel are allowed along this section of trail, officials said.

Once the issues are resolved and the project finished, a dedication ceremony will be held.

Since 2001, pedestrians and cyclists have been able to use the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail, named for the nearby Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. The trail consists of two separate segments — a 3.3-mile piece in Bel Air and a 1.7-mile leg in Forest Hill.

The third segment of the trail will run from North Avenue to Blake's Venture Park. When finished, the Ma and Pa Trail will be about 7.5 miles long, running from Annie's Playground in Fallston, traveling through the heart of Bel Air and ending on Jarrettsville Road in Forest Hill.