Groundbreaking Ceremony
Event Details
Date
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Time
11:00 AM
Location
Somerset County
About This Event
Join local leaders and national advocates on April 30, 2026, just outside the Borough of Garrett in Pennsylvania, to break ground on the newest segment of the September 11th National Memorial Trail. This project marks a significant milestone in a nearly three-year effort to extend the 9/11 National Memorial Trail's proposed 20-mile connection from the GAP Trail to the Flight 93 National Memorial.
The new construction will add 1,500 feet of trail in Brothersvalley Township, Pennsylvania. The project carries a total investment of $627,000, funded through a strategic partnership between the Somerset County Redevelopment Authority and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
Once complete, the segment will provide a dedicated off-road trail alternative to the existing on-road route, significantly improving safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience. Construction on this next phase is expected to continue through the summer, with a target completion date of September 11, 2026, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
The ceremony will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers:
Matt Harris, Board Chair of the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance
Stephen Clark, Superintendent of the National Parks of Western Pennsylvania
Brian K. Fochtman, Somerset County Commissioner
Steven Spochart, Executive Director of the Somerset County Redevelopment Authority
Parking is available at the Garrett Trailhead, 1787 Berlin Street, Garrett, PA 15542.
Support the Trail
Help preserve the memory of 9/11 and maintain the trail for future generations.
