Recently it was announced that the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge over the Pennsylvania Turnpike was going to be torn down due to structural problems.  However, a timeline as to when this will be completed and a new bridge will be in place has NOT been announced.  Until the new bridge is in place the 70 mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is effectively cut in half.  Knowing how government works (especially these types of projects), I’m not confident this is going to happen in a timely manner.  It’s for that reason that I want to urge everyone to write Governor Rendell, Acting DCNR Secretary Quigley, and your local State Senator and Representative to express your desire for the timely replacement of this important bridge.  Below is a link on how to find your State Senator and Representative and also the addresses for Governor Rendell, Acting Secretary Quigley as well as a sample letter to Governor Rendell which can be easily edited to send to the others.  Please take the time to send a letter, email or call them to let them know how important this issue is to you so that this can quickly be fixed and we can all get back to using it for hiking, backpacking and anything else!

Click here to find your local State Senator and Representative

Governor Edward G Rendell - (717) 787-2500

225 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120

Acting Secretary John Quigley - (717) 772-9084

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - 7th Floor

Rachel Carson State Office Building

P.O. Box 8767

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17105-8767

=========================== Sample Letter ==================================

Governor Edward G Rendell

225 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120

Dear Governor Rendell,

I am writing to you today to express my desire for the timely demolition and replacement of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge over the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  This bridge makes the 70 mile hiking trail from Ohiopyle through the Laurel Highlands to Johnstown possible.  Recently this bridge was closed by the DCNR due to structural problems and there has not been a defined timeline announced as to when it will be fixed.  The lack of this bridge has crippled one of the best hiking / backpacking trails in Pennsylvania.  Numerous Pennsylvania residents and non-residents plan on thru-hiking this trail every year, but until it is fixed this is no longer possible.  Trails like this one are important for promoting an active healthy lifestyle and also for showcasing some of the best outdoor areas that Pennsylvania has to offer.  Please do everything in your power to make the replacement of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge happen as soon as possible.

Thank you for your consideration!

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State ZIP]