Water Street Corridor

The vital corridor that has connected our communities for generations

The Water Street Corridor is a critical north–south connection linking Lawrence Park Township (LP) and the Borough of Wesleyville (WLV). The reconstruction of the Bell Street Pedestrian Bridge will restore safe, efficient, and accessible multimodal travel across Fourmile Creek, addressing the challenges created by the permanent closure of the existing bridge.

With a new bridge in place, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users will no longer be forced to take longer and more dangerous detours along roadway segments that lack ADA-compliant infrastructure.

Public Input

We want to hear from the community. Public input is essential to shaping the future of the Water Street Corridor.

Please click the button below to complete the survey. Participants will have the opportunity to:

  • Voice support or concerns
  • Share ideas and suggestions
  • Express interest in volunteering or contributing to the project
Public Survey – CLICK HERE

Current State

The nearly 100-year-old Bell Street Bridge, long used by residents to traverse the Water Street Corridor, has been permanently closed due to structural deterioration. As a result, pedestrians and cyclists must take a longer and more hazardous route along Water Street—an area that does not meet ADA standards and has experienced 11 reported crashes in the past five years, according to PennDOT data.

For residents of the Borough, this closure is especially impactful for school-aged children, as all local schools are located within the Township. Without the Bell Street Bridge, walking or biking between the two communities is no longer practical or safe.

The bridge also provides a critical connection for public transit users traveling between bus stops on Main Street in the Township and Buffalo Road in the Borough, which are otherwise disconnected for pedestrians.

Project Location


The project is located along the Water Street Corridor (State Route 4027), which serves as the primary connection between the Township and the Borough. The new pedestrian bridge will be constructed within the existing 12-foot right-of-way owned by the Township, crossing Fourmile Creek at Bell Street.

The Water Street Corridor is the Borough’s only northward connection and the sole physical link between the Township and the Borough. The corridor is situated near three distinct business districts:

  • Main Street in the Township,
  • The Wesleyville stretch of Buffalo Road,
  • Harborcreek stretch of Buffalo Road.

This location makes the corridor a key connector for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Why is the Bell Street Pedestrian Bridge Important?

The Bell Street Pedestrian Bridge is more than a crossing—it is a lifeline between the Township and the Borough.

  • Safety: Restores a safe, ADA-compliant pedestrian route and eliminates the need for unsafe detours or informal crossings along high-speed roadway segments.
  • Connectivity: Re-establishes a direct non-vehicular connection between the Township and the Borough.
  • School Access: Enables children and families to safely walk or bike between neighborhoods and schools.
  • Transit Access: Provides a safe pedestrian link between bus stops on Main Street in the Township and Buffalo Road in the Borough, supporting multimodal transportation.
  • Community & Economic Vitality: Strengthens connections between neighborhoods, parks, and nearby business districts while supporting long-term corridor revitalization.

Pedestrian Pathway Alignment & Safety Considerations

As part of Phase 1, the pedestrian pathway extending north from the Borough toward the Bell Street Bridge will be constructed along the east side of Water Street.

In accordance with roadway safety guidelines and PennDOT standards, a mid-block pedestrian crossing cannot be installed at the bridge location due to the increased risk of vehicle–pedestrian conflicts and strikes. Instead, a crosswalk will be added at Pearl Avenue, so that between Bell Street and Water Street there will be a continuous pedestrian walkway along the east side of the road.

This includes the installation of a new marked pedestrian crosswalk at Pearl Avenue, the nearest location that meets safety and visibility requirements.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 – Immediate Connectivity

Phase 1 focuses on achieving a safe and functional early connection and includes:

  • Construction of a pedestrian pathway extending north from the Borough along the east side of Water Street
  • Construction of a new Bell Street pedestrian bridge

Extension of the pedestrian walkway south to Pearl Avenue, including installation of a marked pedestrian crosswalk

This phase will immediately restore pedestrian connectivity between the Township and the Borough while meeting roadway safety standards.

Future Phases – Corridor-Wide Improvements

The full Water Street Corridor vision includes:

  • A continuous pedestrian and bicycle pathway connecting Route 20 (Buffalo Road) to Napier Park and Route 5 (East Lake Road)
  • Reconstruction of a second pedestrian bridge across Fourmile creek, the Napier Park Bridge.

Together, these improvements will create a complete, safe, and accessible corridor for all users.

Community Support

This project reflects years of advocacy and collaboration. Thank you to the many partners who have supported the Water Street Corridor, including:

  • Local elected officials
  • Municipal staff
  • The Iroquois School District
  • County and state officials
  • PennDOT representatives
  • Community organizations and residents

Bringing the corridor to full fruition will require continued community involvement. Future support opportunities include—but are not limited to—benches, public art, fundraising, volunteer efforts, and historical contributions.

Additional Resources

View the full PennDOT Water Street Corridor PDF