East Goshen Township officially broke ground earlier this week on a new pedestrian trail that will stretch along Paoli Pike from Line Road to Airport Road, writes Bill Rettew for the Daily Local News.

The 3.1-mile Paoli Pike Trail will cost $8.1 million and will add to 3.5 miles of existing trails in the township.

Grants for the project totaled $3.6 million, including a $268,000 grant from the DCNR and a $175,000 grant from Chester County.

According to Jason Lang, director of parks and recreation, the trail will connect the YMCA, schools, parks, and Dunkin’ Donuts with each other.

“We want to encourage people to get out of their cars,” said Lang. “This trail touches so many aspects of this community.”

The ground was broken for the North Chester Road to Line Road section. The construction has already started and is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The North Chester Road to Reservoir Road section is still waiting on final approval.

“Walkability and bike-ability are very important to today’s residents,” said Mark Gordon, township zoning officer.

Read more about the new trail in the Daily Local News here.