PennDOT closes water trail near Greenville bridge

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has closed a section of the Shenango River Water Trail in Greenville Borough due to safety concerns.

In coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and Mercer County, access to the trail is now restricted near the Ohl Street Bridge after officials discovered debris had fallen into the river. The bridge, which has been closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic since 2009, is slated for removal.

Due to the limited space and steep banks in the area, a portage around the structure is not feasible. Officials are directing boaters to use the access areas at Riverside Park and Kidds Mill Park.

Signs have been placed to alert the public of the closure. Additional "Warning Area Closed" signs have been installed near the bridge itself, both upstream and downstream.

The Shenango River Water Trail provides 21 miles of paddling between Pymatuning State Park and ending at an Army Corps of Engineers facility at Shenango River Lake.

  PennDOT