The Gateway Slope Project is underway in Lansdowne! It will create a beautiful and welcoming “Gateway” to our wonderful town. “Gateway Slope Notes” are notes by Parks and Recreation Board Member Carol Martsolf, who is a professional civil engineer in Pennsylvania. In these notes, Carol shares educational updates and some basic insights so Lansdowne residents can be updated on the project.
Gateway Slope Notes #25 - “What’s Happening with the Existing Stone Wall?”
You may not realize it, but the ivy that appears along the sidewalk in he attached photo is actually covering an old stone wall! The wall appears structurally unstable in many spots and from what I can tell, there is no mortar between the stones to hold them together. I tried to take close-up pictures of the existing stone wall where the ivy is not covering it. So…. What is happening to the wall with the new project? Along some of the project, closer to Eldon Road, it is being removed as a strong well-designed retaining wall is being constructed. In some spots, the existing stone wall will be reset as necessary, as directed by the engineer. It will be preserved in other locations. Looking forward to seeing how the wall will be reset in those areas as indicated in the construction plans! #GatewaySlopeNotes
Gateway Slope Notes #26 – “Extensive Clearing and Grubbing”
I think I may have to rename this series, “Extensive Clearing and Grubbing” since that work is continuing in earnest! There are more piles of material that has been cleared. I’ve been walking along this sidewalk for over 25 years and I have two observations: 1. I’ve never been able to see the Walsh Road houses but I can now; and 2. I’ve never seen sunlight peak through the trees onto the sidewalk, and now the sun shines through. Once clearing and grubbing is done, we should see more activity putting in the multi-use path and retaining walls….. Stay tuned! #GatewaySlopeNotes
Gateway Slope Notes #27 – “Multi-Use Paths”
You may not know this, but the multi-use path that will be constructed in the Gateway Slope Park will be approximately 6-feet wide. The existing sidewalk is probably 5-feet wide; but because of the vines, debris, and eroded soil, the effective width is probably closer to 3-feet in many locations along the sidewalk. It’s very narrow. It will be great to have an upgraded pedestrian facility when construction is done. #GatewaySlopeNotes