ST. GEORGES, Del. –Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and U.S. Rep. John Carney joined federal, state and local officials to announce the naming of the Michael N. Castle Trail at the C&D Canal. Monday also marked the groundbreaking of the first phase of the approximately 16-mile long shared-use recreational trail along the north side of the C&D Canal. The trail will create safe new recreational opportunities along the canal where people can hike, bicycle, jog, skate, bird watch and ride horses.
“Mike Castle long ago embraced the notion that the C&D Canal is like an emerald necklace draped across the northern portion of our beautiful state, and I am so very pleased that this jewel will be named after our dear friend,” Chris said. “Quite a few Delawareans, including Mike Castle, have worked hard over nearly eight years to transform this path into a greenway, and I’m pleased today we’re celebrating the groundbreaking. I look forward to the day when my family and I can join others in exploring the beauty of the C&D Canal via the Michael N. Castle Trail.”
As one of America’s first commercial corridors, this canal has been an important part of Delaware’s economy since the early 1830’s,” Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez said. “182 years later, the C&D Canal continues to demonstrate its significance by creating jobs for workers and expanding recreational access through improved transportation options for bicyclists, hikers, joggers and others.”
DelDOT is responsible for construction of the trail along the canal, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The C&D Canal has been in operation since 1829 and today it is one of the busiest working waterways in the world. The canal is a critical commercial waterway serving the Ports of Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia.
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