Five Star Trail section in South Greensburg to close for repairs

A section of the Five Star Trail in South Greensburg will be closed to walkers and bicyclists during daylight hours Monday through April 27 as crews make needed repairs.

The closure will be in effect between Huff and Fairview avenues as contractor Adam Eidemiller completes the work.

“This is just a simple unclogging of some drains and ditch work we have to do,” said Lauren Jones, communications coordinator for the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation. “When a section gets bad enough, we have to fix it.

“Once they’re done for the day, we’ll open the trail back up.”

The trail repairs will be coordinated with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad, which will be performing work on its adjacent train tracks, Jones said.

On Jan. 1, 2021, the trail reached a new 25-year lease agreement with the railroad, extending until December 2045. The recreational trail extends from Greensburg’s Lynch Park south to Youngwood.

Five Star Trail rules include:

• Move as far away from the railroad tracks as possible when a train approaches. No one is permitted to enter onto or cross over the tracks at any time.

• Walkers should walk in single file and stay to the right. Bicyclists must yield to walkers and give a verbal warning when overtaking and passing to the left of other trail users.

• Owners walking pets should have them under control on a 6-foot leash and should clean up and properly dispose of their pet’s waste.

• Horses aren’t permitted on the trail.

• The trail normally is open daily, dawn to dusk.

• Permits are required for all organized or group events. Email regionaltrails@comcast.net or call 724-872-5586.