Re-construction of Norwottuck Trail to start soon

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - After eight years, the re-construction of the Norwottuck Rail Trail will finally get underway, and residents have one more chance to outline their concerns about improving the bike path.

Much of the 11.5 mile bike path is in need of repair, but hashing out the final design details is brewing controversy among those who use the trail.  The $4 million project, spearheaded by Congressman John Olver, was funded by an earmark in a 2004 transportation bill and has been set aside to repair and redesign parts of the Norwottuck Rail Trail.  The bike path stretches from Northampton to Belchertown, weaving around and under dozens of streets and bridges.

“The Snell Street Bridge just up the road from here, the reconstruction will start any day now and there's a new detour path put in that some people have seen. We're not sure when the second part is going to start, that's the resurfacing,” said Andy Morris-Friedman, vice-chair of the citizens advisory committee who is overseeing the project. 

The Snell Street bridge detour's in Amherst, but Hadley's South Maple Street has design challenges as well.  South Maple Street is the busiest intersection along the trail, it’s also one of the most dangerous ones, but that will soon change.  Among the planned improvements is a crosswalk, a pedestrian light and even textured pavement that will slow riders down as they approach the street.

“Traffic is very fast here there's no stop or yield, so you just have to make very certain and careful that the traffic has completely come to a stop and then cross as quickly as you can,” said Tom Meyers who rides his bike on the path daily. 

But many details still have riders at odds, like the expansion of the Damon Road parking lot in Northampton which will mean cutting trees. Some say it's necessary.

“I heard that it's always packed, I don't want them to cut the trees down but like I feel like it's a good idea too because we need room for cars,” said Tiffany Rivera who lives in Easthampton.

Morris-Friedman told 22News the project is slated to last 18 months and will be finished by April of 2014.  The public hearing will be held Wednesday, September 5 at 7pm, at the Hadley Elementary Cafeteria.