Valley Forge Emergency Area Closure

Date: March 26, 2012
Contact: Rhonda Schier, 610-783-1008

On Saturday, March 17, a Keeper of the Stream volunteer in Valley Forge National Historical Park spotted sewage effluent running into Valley Creek near Wilson Road. After notification of proper officials, it was determined that the leak was from the Tredyffrin Township Municipal Authority's sanitary sewer force main, which runs through the park adjacent to Valley Creek. The township was able to control and contain the leak, and a temporary patch was installed.

Repairs to the main will require the installation of a temporary bypass, and ultimately, a permanent replacement of the damaged sewer line. Site restoration work also will be completed.

In order to ensure the safety of park visitors and construction crews while large equipment is moving in and out of the area and while extensive open excavations are present, some roads and trails in the area have been closed to the public until further notice. Access to these areas is prohibited. All visitors, including runners, walkers, bicyclists, and fishermen must take alternate routes in order to safely expedite the repair process and allow crews and contractors full access to the work area. Park rangers and volunteers are staffing closed areas during peak visitation periods in order to assist. Updates will be posted regularly on the park's website throughout the construction and restoration process which could take several weeks.

 Wilson Road is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

 Library Lane is closed to all vehicle traffic. Pedestrian traffic is permitted between the Knox Trail and the Mt. Misery/Covered Bridge trailheads.

 Valley Creek trails are closed between the Knox Trail and the turnpike underpass to Chesterbrook.

 Valley Creek is closed to all access, including fishing, between Wilson Road and the turnpike underpass to Chesterbrook.

 Existing No Parking regulations will be enforced along the Yellow Springs Road shoulder.

Additional parking is available at the Knox parking lot located on Rt. 252 east of the Covered Bridge. For more information about the closures, contact the Valley Forge Visitor Center, 610-783-1099 or check the park's website, www.nps.gov/vafo for periodic updates. For more information about the sewer line break and repair plans, please contact Tredyffrin Township Public Works Coordinator Hilliary Mallory at [phone] or [e-mail]