NORWOTTUCK RAIL TRAIL REHABILITATION PROJECT

October 13, 2009

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and MassHighway are pleased to announce plans for rehabilitation of the oldest sections of the 10.6 mile Norwottuck Rail Trail, which extends from Northampton to Belchertown, MA.  Design funding comes through a state and federal partnership between DCR, MassHighway, and the Federal Highway Administration.  Funding for the planned $4 million construction phase will come from federal and state funds set aside by Congressman John Olver in a federal transportation bill and by MassHighway.  The design phase is scheduled for completion in 2010.

The scope of work for upgrades and safety improvements includes:

• Assessment of existing condition and natural resources.
• Replacement of existing trail surface.
• Documentation of existing plant communities.
• Development of a vegetation management plan to address invasive plants and hazardous trees, prevent tree root damage to pavement and protect valuable wildlife habitats.
• Evaluation of beaver impacts to the trail and a plan to manage the effects.
• Public safety and Universal Access improvements.
• Identification and resolution of drainage and erosion problems.
• Upgrades to trail signage.
• Improvements to bridge decks, tunnels and parking lots. 

Project Status:

In the summer of 2009, the project team focused on the natural resource aspects of the project primarily by seeking formal approval of resource area boundaries protected by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act through a process known as the ANRAD (Abbreviated Notice of Resource Area Delineation).  ANRAD applications were submitted to the Conservation Commissions of Amherst and Hadley for review and approval.  After many careful site visits and revisions, the hearings were closed and both Conservation Commissions issued ORADs (Orders of Resource Area Delineations) formally approving the delineated resource areas within the rail trail right-of-way.  This was a green light to proceed confidently through the next steps in the permitting and design process. 

Next steps are estimated below.   

October 2009

• Revised wetland analysis                                                          
  • Recalculate wetland impacts
  • Wetland functions and values assessment
  • Wetland impact avoidance and mitigation analysis
• Pre-25% Design                                                                           
• Finalize Vegetation Management Plan                    
• Draft Expanded Environmental Notification Form (ENF)

November 2009

• Revised Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) Habitat Assessment
• Pre-MEPA filing coordination meetings with state and federal agencies
• Final Expanded ENF submission for MEPA review which includes review and comment by local Conservation Commissions.

December 2009

• MEPA review

January 2010

• Finalize 25% Design for submission to MassHighway for review

The timetable after December 2009 will be greatly determined by the
outcome of the MEPA review.

Project Summary Poster

Press Releases

DCR Schedules Public Information Meeting on Norwottuck Rail Trail Rehabilitation - October 10, 2008

DCR Begins Long-Term Design and Interim Repairs on the Norwottuck Rail Trail - May 9, 2008

More Information

Norwottuck Rail Trail

Connecticut River Greenway State Park

Contact Us

email:
Danny.Obrien@state.ma.us

mailing address:

Norwottuck Rail Trail Rehabilitation Project
Massachusetts DCR
PO Box 66
South Carver, MA 02366