Environment and Wildlife
Middle Run Valley Bridge - Delaware
Trails were widened and improved with firmer surfacing
This bridge replaced stepping-stones that once served as the crossing of the Middle Run stream.
During the 2009-2010 winter, New Castle County, Delaware State Parks, and the Delaware Trail Spinners (a mountain bike organization) partnered to construct a bridge over Middle Run, a tributary stream of White Clay Creek. Middle Run flows through the 900-acre Middle Run Valley Natural Area (MRVNA)— a highly scenic Piedmont stream valley— and part of a network of streams that comprise the White Clay Creek National Wild & Scenic River management area.
MRVNA is considered a natural area of statewide significance defined by steep slopes, mature forest, and a wooded stream valley. This valley is characterized as one of the most scenic Piedmont stream valleys in Delaware. Improving the outstanding wild and scenic resources here is extremely important while environmental impact reduction is critical within the watershed.
This 900-acre site is managed by the Park Division, New Castle County. Under the direction and guidance of the Delaware State Parks Trail Crew, the Delaware Trail Spinners constructed an 85-foot bridge in the Middle Run Valley Natural Area.
State and county staff jointly selected and planned the bridge site to reduce environmental damage to the streambed, reduce floodplain impacts, create universal accessibility, and achieve an environmentally and socially sustainable trail system to which this bridge is connected.
Over a three-day period, the Trail Spinners volunteered 360 hours to install the fiberglass bridge. The group volunteered an additional 650 hours to construct bridge approaches. Environmentally sustainable trail construction standards (established by Delaware State Parks) were followed.
New Castle County matched $25,000 in Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding with an additional $25,000. The Delaware Trail Spinners contributed $6,000 in cash toward the purchase of helical anchors, beams, hardware, and lumber for the project. In addition, the Trail Spinners’ volunteer hours were valued at $20,200.
For more information
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
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