SOUTHWICK- RAIL TRAIL EXTENSION, FROM POINT GROVE ROAD TO WESTFIELD CITY LINE (PHASE II)

This project consists of the construction of Phase II of a multiple use 3.5 mile trail along a segment of the former Penn Central Railroad from the Westfield Town Line to the intersection of the right-of-way with Phase I north of Point Grove Road. The construction of the trail will serve to improve the abandoned railbed currently overgrown with weeds and abused by trespassers while preserving approximately 48 acres of land as “open space” for restricted recreational use. Additional work outside of this right-of-way will include the design and preparation of easements for access to the trail from local streets, neighborhoods, schools and the central business district. The proposed trail construction includes utility relocation, traffic signs and pavement markings, fencing and barriers, drainage, erosion control and bank stabilization, parking and picnic areas, scenic overlooks, landscaping and rest areas. When complete, the Southwick Rail Trail, a total of 7.1 miles, will connect with the Farmington Valley Greenway for a total of 32 miles of continuous trail.