On Oct. 21, the Schuylkill River Trail unexpectedly closed for emergency repairs between John F. Kennedy Boulevard and Race Street as a result of a large sinkhole opening up underneath the asphalt trail.
According to Philly Voice, the sinkhole is approximately eight feet deep, eight feet wide, and ten feet long. One could “[almost] park a car down there,” Schuylkill Banks President Joseph Syrnick told The Inquirer. It is unclear what caused the sinkhole to open or how long it has been there, but Syrnick warned that repairs could take months.
The repairs are disrupting access to the trail for students at Drexel, as John F. Kennedy Boulevard is one of the main entrances to the trail for people in University City.
“I’m upset it’s closed. It cuts off the main artery through the whole city,” said Michael Krieger, a fourth-year civil engineering student who runs on the Schuylkill multiple times a week.
Sinkholes are a common issue in Philadelphia due to urban development. Underneath streets and sidewalks in the city is a congested network of utility and sewer lines. This infrastructure affects the soil underneath the asphalt, and when there is a water leak in the system or heavy rainfall, the soil may wash out. If not adequately managed over time, this erosion can create sinkholes in the street.
The closure comes at an inconvenient time for runners, as the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend races are scheduled for less than a month from now. The SRT serves as a key trail for runners, walkers, and cyclists looking to get exercise.
Sophia Fermin is a sophomore Fashion Design student training for the November marathon. She expressed her disappointment in the closure.
“It’s super frustrating that it’s closed,” said Fermin. “I love the trail and I use it for most of my running routes. Now I have to change up my training.”
A majority of the trail remains open to the public. To go south on the trail towards Fitler Square and the new Christian to Crescent segment, enter on Market, Chestnut, or Walnut Street. To head north towards Boathouse Row and Fairmount Park via University City, take the Spring Garden Street entrance by the Philadelphia Art Museum. Alternatively, there is an entrance at North 23rd Street and Race Street in Center City.