The process of creating a trail network across the Phila. suburbs has advanced with the recent Montgomery County acceptance of the Cross County Trail East feasibility study. Dan Sokil laced up his shoes to report the progress for Main Line Media News.

The “aye” votes from the Montgomery County Commissioners last week confirm the study’s recommended inclusion of a five-mile trail segment in Upper Dublin, Upper Moreland, and Bryn Athyn Borough.

When eventually completed, the Cross-County recreational and fitness route will link the Schuylkill River Trail in Conshohocken with Bucks County.

Considering the scope of the project and its numerous interests, approvals can be complex arrangements among multiple parties with sometimes competing interests.

During a study phase, input was solicited from the public, as well as commercial parties with interests that included PennDOT, SEPTA, and PECO.

Each advance, however incremental it may appear, nonetheless brings the 17.5-total-mile end game closer to reality.

In addition to the main southeast to northwest trail system, a number of offshoot connections to shorter trail routes are also being incorporated into the plans.

More on the footwork behind the Cross County Trail effort is at Main Line Media News.