Walkable Chadds Ford

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—AUGUST 13, 2025

Chadds Ford Township Announces Construction Schedule and Funding Milestone for Walkable Chadds Ford Project

Chadds Ford Township is proud to announce that construction for the Walkable Chadds Ford (WCF) Project is officially underway starting Monday, August 11, with major activity anticipated over the coming months. This transformative infrastructure initiative is designed to improve pedestrian safety, mobility, and access along the U.S. Route 1 corridor, connecting two Historic Districts — the Brandywine Battlefield and the Chadds Ford Village.

Project Overview: Connecting History, Community, and Commerce

The Walkable Chadds Ford Project will create a safe, scenic pedestrian route through the heart of Chadds Ford Village—an area currently divided by the heavily traveled Route 1 corridor. The project encompasses new traffic improvements, the construction of new trails and sidewalks that include elevated boardwalks, pedestrian bridges, and ADA intersections that will allow residents and visitors to comfortably walk between key destinations such as the Brandywine Battlefield, Turner’s Mill Park, and nearby shops, restaurants, and museums.

This long-anticipated initiative supports Chadds Ford Township’s vision of becoming a more accessible, vibrant, and connected community, while also protecting the area’s historic and natural character. By improving walkability and safety, the project is expected to strengthen the local economy, support sustainable tourism, and create a unique, pedestrian-friendly environment that enhances the overall quality of life.

Project Bidding and Launch

The project was officially advertised for construction bidding through PennDOT’s ECMS system earlier this year, beginning a five-week bidding period that closed on April 17, 2025. Following a thorough bid review and award process, PennDOT issued a Notice to Proceed to Allan Myers, the selected contractor. Construction is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete.

Construction Schedule

Chadds Ford Township is committed to keeping the public informed throughout the construction process. Below is the anticipated schedule for late summer and fall:

August 2025

• Construction access points will be established at the Township Building, Creek Road at Route 1, and near the crosswalk behind the Postal Building.
• Vegetation clearing and preparation will take place along the full path route from the Township Building to Hoffmans Mill Road.
• Targeted tree removal will occur throughout the site to support safe and efficient construction.

September 2025

• Construction of Boardwalk and two new pedestrian bridges between the Township Building and Creek Road.
• Trail construction and paving prep from Creek Road to Hoffmans Mill Road.
• ADA-compliant ramp installation at the Creek Road and Station Way crossing, pending material availability.
• Curb and path construction, including additional ADA ramps, from Station Way to Hoffmans Mill Road, pending material availability.

October 2025

• Clearing and site preparation for portions of elevated Wetland boardwalk.

Funding Partners: A Collaborative Investment in Community Access

Chadds Ford Township is deeply grateful for the partnership and financial support of local, state, and regional funding agencies who helped make this project possible. Notably, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provided Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) funding, which was increased by an additional $771,179 to cover post-bid funding shortfalls—allowing construction to proceed without delay. We are also appreciative of the partnership and guidance of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, whose expertise was invaluable throughout the design and planning phases of the project.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, Senator John Kane, and Representative Craig Williams for their steadfast support. Their engagement and encouragement throughout the process have been critically important and deeply valued by the Township.

Total Construction Grant Funding Received:

• FHWA TASA Grants – $2,771,179
• DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program – $100,000
• Delaware County Greenways Grants – $600,000
• DCNR Development, Rehabilitation & Maintenance Grant – $500,000
• National Scenic Byways – Pedestrian Safety & Traffic Calming Grant – $408,000

These partners have demonstrated a shared commitment to improving regional connectivity, public health, and sustainable access to cultural and historic assets.

Stay Connected
Chadds Ford Township will continue to provide regular updates throughout construction. For more information, project background, and schedule changes, please visit:

• Delco Alert – https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612334/new
• Website - https://www.chaddsfordpa.gov/
• Chadds Ford Today E-Newsletter – https://www.chaddsfordpa.gov/community/page/chadds-ford-today-township-newsletter
• Facebook – Chadds Ford Township, Delaware County, PA official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChaddsFordTownshipPA 

Walkable Chadds Ford Project Update – March 2025

Chadds Ford Township is excited to share that the Walkable Chadds Ford (WCF) project has officially been advertised for construction bidding through PennDOT’s ECMS system. This milestone begins a five-week bidding period ending April 17, 2025. After bids are received, PennDOT will begin the award process, which includes a thorough review of the lowest bidder, project execution by the Township, scheduling a preconstruction meeting, and issuing a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to the selected contractor.

A preconstruction meeting with easement holders will also take place once the contractor is awarded the bid. Construction is expected to begin later this year and will take approximately 12 to 16 months to complete.

Stay tuned for updates as we move forward with this long-anticipated project aimed at improving walkability and connectivity in our community.

PROJECT:

The Walkable Chadds Ford Project aims to significantly enhance pedestrian mobility and bicycle safety along the U.S. Route 1 corridor, connecting Brandywine Battlefield State Park with the historic Village area. Both areas are recognized as National Register Historic Districts but have experienced a decline in visitors over the past decade. This initiative will introduce traffic calming measures and pedestrian improvements, allowing visitors to safely walk between the two Historic Districts and across the Village, which is divided by U.S. Route 1.

By creating a "destination" for both local residents and visitors, the project will offer a variety of recreational options, including walking, bicycling, shopping, dining, and visiting museums. The business and cultural communities are supportive of this initiative, as it is expected to foster economic development by increasing the viability of existing businesses and institutions while attracting appropriately scaled new businesses. Local residents have expressed a desire for the Village area to become an "eclectic, diverse" spot, offering unique goods and services not found in typical mall-type shopping centers.

With the ability to walk from the Municipal Campus along a scenic trail, enjoy local restaurants, browse shops, or visit museums, the Walkable Chadds Ford Project will transform the area into a unique gathering spot, attracting people from both Delaware County and Chester County.

Total Construction Grant Funding Received:

• FHWA TASA Grants – $2,771,179
• DCED Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program – $100,000
• Delaware County Greenways Grants – $600,000
• DCNR Development, Rehabilitation & Maintenance Grant – $500,000
• National Scenic Byways – Pedestrian Safety & Traffic Calming Grant – $408,000