The project entails improving the 11-mile-long recreational trail, among other things.
Damaged pavement is evident along this stretch of the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Amherst.HADLEY – Officials from the state Department of Transportation and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Hadley Elementary School, 21 River Drive, to present plans for reconstruction of the Norwottuck Rail Trail.
DCR and MassDOT have worked with the Norwottuck Rail Trail Advisory Committee to design and permit the project, which is expected to use about $4.4 million in MassDOT and Federal Highway Administration funds. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2013.
The 11-mile bike and recreational trail, built along a former Central Massachusetts Railroad Company track corridor, links Northampton, Hadley, Amherst and Belchertown. Motorized vehicles and horses are prohibited on the trail.
The project entails widening the trail and repairing and upgrading the riding surface, among other things.