Project SummaryThe Northampton Bikeway segment of the Mass Central Rail Trail between Bridge Road and State Street is planned for rehabilitation. The work includes pavement resurfacing and intersection improvements to the approximately 2.5 mile trail section. Improvements include pavement reclamation and hot mix asphalt paving of the trail; intersection improvements including curbing, sidewalks, signage, and pavement markings; tree trimming, and associated surface repairs. This segment receives routine maintenance, such as pothole repairs; however, there has been no structural maintenance since 1982, when the trail was first constructed. The Northampton Bikeway is a critical spoke of the regional trail system. The trail connects the King Street commercial corridor with downtown Northampton and the Leeds and Florence Center neighborhoods. It is also a crucial link to Easthampton and Holyoke to the south, Hadley, Amherst and points beyond to the east, and Williamsburg to the northwest. Critical pavement rehabilitation and drainage work will ensure continued safe access to the trail segment for all users, and installation of ADA compliant curb ramps at roadways will upgrade all crossings to become accessible to people with disabilities. Enhanced signage at the intersections will increase driver awareness of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road. By improving the pedestrian and bicycle facility, it will encourage residents and visitors of all ages to use alternate forms of transportation and assist in reducing roadway congestion and the emission of greenhouse gases. The City was awarded $500,000 from the MassTrails Grant program for this project. The total project cost is approximately $1.4 million. |
| Project Updates- The Contractor remobilized on April 7, 2025
- Remaining work includes installation of concrete curb ramps, granite curbing, pavement markings, signs, and seeding.
- Work will begin at State/Stoddard intersection and move westward
Project Milestones- October 22, 2024
- October 28, 2024
- November 8, 2024
- Reclaim operations completed
- November 15, 2024
- Binder course paving completed
- November 22, 2024
- Top course paving completed
- November 27, 2024
- November 27, 2024
- Contractor demobilized for Winter 2025
- December 2, 2024
- April 7, 2025
- Remobilize for Spring 2025
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