Public hearing on Norwottuck Rail Trail design

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - After six years of planning, upgrades to the Norwottuck Rail Trail will soon be underway.

A hearing was held in Hadley Wednesday night to give residents their final chance to give their input on what they'd like to see done to the bike path that stretches from Northampton to Belchertown.

The Vice Chair of the Norwottuck Rail Trail Advisory Committee told 22News riders can expect big changes over the next 18 months.

"The trail is going to be paved from Northampton to Station Road.  The bridges are going to be replaced and re-decked.  There's going to be increased handicap access," Andy Morris-Friedman told 22News.

The project has been controversial at times, with riders at odds of the expansion of the Northampton parking lot, and the impact the construction would have on riders.  The estimated completion date for the project is April 2014.