The Pennsylvania Turnpike bridge construction project at Emerald has been completed, leaving the Slate Heritage Trail reopened for its entire 3.3 mile stretch.

The trail was closed in early winter of 2016 between the Emerald bridge over Trout Creek and Center Street in Emerald for the completion of the new bridge.The section of Slate Heritage Trail starts at the Slatington Trailhead and winds through Emerald and Washington Township to the Slatedale Fire Company.The graveled and flat grade trail is a community project that was initiated by the Northern Lehigh Historical Society in April of 2001.The trail is frequented by hikers, joggers and avid bird watchers and nature lovers by utilizing the former Lehigh Valley Railroad and the D & L Heritage Trail in lower Slatington, through Emerald to the Slatedale Fire Company's baseball fields.