Senate Proposal Would Connect City to State and National Trails Network

Our City lies between two regionally known trails for bicycles and walkers, and yet is currently connected to neither. A bill introduced in the state legislature proposes to remedy this.  

From the Jonah Center, click to enlarge

The north-south Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is an 82 mile trail for bicycles and pedestrians that runs from New Haven to Northampton, with a few short interruptions. The 48 miles from New Haven to Tariffville are part of the East Coast Greenway Trail, which will stretch from Maine to Florida.

The east-west Airline trail begins in the village of Thomson, in the far northeast corner of the state, and was recently extended to Portland.

Neither trail reaches our city.

Our city's two State Senators, Mary Abrams and Matt Lesser, are cosponsors of a bill whose purpose is to connect our city to both of these trails. The connection would pass through the Meriden train station, allowing bicycle access to the New Haven to Springfield train service.

The Transportation Committee at the Capitol will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. in Room 1E of the LOB. Letters in support or opposition to this  proposed trail system can also be sent to the Transportation Committee, and to Senators Mary Abrams and Matt Lesser.

Part of the proposed connection would utilize a proposed Newfield corridor trail. This trail is the subject of a public hearing also on Wednesday,  in the Community Room of the Police Station at 222 Main Street.