EASTON, Pa. — Gov. Josh Shapiro has reached out to Easton City Council in an effort to prepare the 9-11 Trail ahead of the 25th anniversary of the national tragedy.
Council this month got a letter from the governor’s office calling on it to assist in the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, a year out from the 25th anniversary of the national tragedy.
"As we approach the 25th Anniversary on September 11, 2026, we now have an opportunity to accelerate this work and complete signage along the full length of the trail."Gov. Josh Shapiro, in a letter to Easton City Council
The letter details the full 9-11 Trail is a 1,500-mile, multi-use route linking the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset County.
In Pennsylvania, the trail includes on- and off-road segments through 25 counties and 129 municipalities.
In the metro Easton area, it runs down 3rd Street before wrapping around Centre Square and continuing onto Northampton Street.
“The Alliance has made admirable progress in developing the trail and providing navigation signage to aid the public," Shapiro's letter states.
"As we approach the 25th Anniversary on September 11, 2026, we now have an opportunity to accelerate this work and complete signage along the full length of the trail."
'Swift approval' needed
The state Transportation Department has approved signage plans for three counties and is developing a plan for the remaining 45% of the on-road portion of the trail that follows state-owned roadways, the letter said.
The signs, which will be provided and installed by the Alliance, are 18-by12 inches or 24-by-18 inches, depending on the location and contain the National Memorial Trail logo.
“I don't see us having any problem with it. Especially since PennDOT has already approved the signage, you know, I think it's just a matter of, ‘Where do you want to go and where do you want to have a sign?’"Easton City Councilman Roger Ruggles
They also contain a bicycle symbol and ‘9-11 NMT.’ The sign design meets MUTCD standard and has been approved by PennDOT for use in the whole state, Shapiro's letter said.
Easton officials soon will get correspondence from the Alliance and PennDOT seeking input and approval for the signage in Easton.
The governor requested “assistance with swift approval” to ensure the signs are installed before the anniversary.
“Thank you for your assistance as we continue to pay tribute, honor, and reflect on this pivotal moment in our nation's history,” the letter concludes.
Easton Councilman Roger Ruggles said the process will entail officials helping to streamline the municipal process for the road signage, which will have to go through government organizations including the Historic District Commission.
“I don't see us having any problem with it,” Ruggles said.
“Especially since PennDOT has already approved the signage, you know, I think it's just a matter of, ‘Where do you want to go and where do you want to have a sign?’"
