Authored By: The Circuit Trails | July 27, 2026

On July 23, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) approved $322 million as part of the FFY2027 Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the largest amount programmed for trail projects in the TIP’s history—a significant step toward creating a safer, more connected region. 

This record-breaking level of investment is evidence that trails have become part of mainstream transportation planning rather than standalone recreation projects. It’s a direct result of years of advocacy by community members, municipalities, nonprofit partners, county leadership and the Circuit Trails Coalition.

A Milestone Made Possible by Community Support

Communities across the region have spent years advocating for safer streets, better trail connections and better access to parks, waterfronts, schools, transit and neighborhood businesses. During the recent public comment period for the TIP, approximately 150 advocates submitted messages of support for the funding allocated for trails, demonstrating just how important these projects are to the people who will use them every day.

That support, combined with the leadership of local elected officials, transportation agencies and community organizations, helped make this historic investment possible.

Circuit Trails Projects Funded Through the 2027 PA TIP

The approved TIP will fund some of the Circuit Trails network’s most important missing links across  Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Over the next four years of FY27-FY30, more than $322 million will be used to support the development of segments of the following trails: 

– East Coast Greenway and the Chester Creek Trail in Delaware County

– Spring Garden Street Connector and the Wissahickon Gateway in Philadelphia County

– Newtown Rail Trail and the East Coast Greenway in Bucks County

– Cross County Trail in Montgomery County

– Chester Valley Trail in Chester County

In Philadelphia County, the investment advances critical spine projects, including the Spring Garden Connector and the Wissahickon Gateway. In Delaware County, it supports the East Coast Greenway through Chester City along 2nd Street/Route 291 from Norris Street to Ridley Creek. In Chester County, it extends the Chester Valley Trail to Downingtown along the P&T Line.

Building a More Connected Region

Several of the funded projects will close critical gaps that have limited how people travel throughout the region, improving access to parks, transit, jobs, schools and local businesses.

Projects like the Spring Garden Connector will create safer east-west connections across Philadelphia by  connecting the Schuylkill River Trail and Delaware River Trail, linking neighborhoods that have historically been separated from these natural resources by fast-moving traffic. 

Outside the city, in Chester, PA, the PA 291 Complete Streets initiative will improve safety, reconnect neighborhoods to their waterfronts and close important gaps in both the Circuit Trails and the East Coast Greenway. PennDOT is taking the lead on this project’s implementation after years of local planning and advocacy. Their leadership signifies that transportation agencies increasingly recognize trails as essential infrastructure.

The Path Forward

Today, the Circuit Trails network includes more than 500 miles of completed and in-progress trails throughout Greater Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, connecting communities across nine counties.

With this new funding, the region will move closer to completing 550 miles of trails by 2030 and advances the broader vision of an interconnected network spanning more than 850 miles.

Every new connection strengthens the Circuit Trails network, expanding transportation choices and helping to build a healthier, greener and safer region for generations to come.