Norwottuck Rail Trail to get repaired

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - After 16 years, The Norwottuck Rail Trail is due for a renovation and face-lift.

The Norwottuck Rail Trail Advisory Committee met in Amherst Wednesday night for a progress update on the planned improvements. The 11-mile trail that connects Northampton, Hadley and Amherst is used by hundreds of thousands of people every year for biking, hiking, roller-blading and cross- country skiing in wintertime.

Congressman John Olver secured 4 Million dollars for the renovation earmarked in a Transportation Bill.

Andy Morris Friedman is the Hadley Representative for the Norwottuck Rail Trail Advisory Committee. He told 22News there's a lot of work planned. "The rail trail may be widened. It'll have a new surface so the glass that pops tires is gonna be replaced. It's gonna have universal access so it'll be easier for disabled people to use."

Friedman also said: "as the economy turns sour, it's important for people to have recreational opportunities that are free. And the Rail Trail is free and open to anyone who wants to ride." Friedman said the Rail Trail..."is the Valley's most popular recreational resource."