CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: January 9, 2019

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department) will conduct a public informational meeting concerning the proposed Moosup Valley State Park Trail on Thursday, January 24, 2019, in Plainfield Town Hall – 8 Community Avenue in Plainfield. An open forum for individual discussions with Department officials will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by a formal presentation at 7:00 p.m.

The project is identified as State Project No. 108-189.

The purpose of the project is the restoration of a trail section of the larger multi-modal East Coast Greenway Trail System.  This is a critical multi-modal transportation link that runs from Florida to Maine and traverses through Connecticut.

This project involves construction of multi-use trail improvements and associated bridge improvements, slope stabilization, and roadway crossings along a portion of former rail grade.  The proposed trail improvements begin at the former rail trestle bridge (repurposed as a pedestrian crossing) immediately east of Village Center Circle in Plainfield.  The improvements continue east approximately 6 miles into and across the town of Sterling before terminating at an existing multi-use trail at the Rhode Island state line.

The existing trail is in variable condition with some portions paved with asphalt and easily navigated and other portions periodically flooded and impassable.  The scope of the project involves a range of improvements from minor repair and restoration at the more refined trail portions, to full depth reconstruction and regrading at the more primitive trail portions.  The purpose of this work is to provide a universally accessible trail connection to the Rhode Island border, as is feasible.  This route is one of many trail segments threading through Connecticut that have, or will become, the “spine” of trails comprising Connecticut’s portion of the East Coast Greenway. 

The project will be constructed primarily on land owned and managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and the Towns of Plainfield and Sterling.  The project is currently funded entirely through “Let’s Go CT!” State resources, but the design process will be completed in accordance with all applicable federal standards to maintain potential eligibility for federal funding of the construction phase.

Where trail resurfacing is proposed, the proposed material is a granular surface between 8 and 12 feet wide with 1 foot – 2 feet graded shoulders.  Fencing will be provided where fall hazards exist. Furnishing “bump-outs” will be placed where opportunities exist for rest and scenic opportunity.  Care has been taken to limit excessive grading and earthwork, and Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management practices are being proposed, where practical.  With exception to a handful of minor adjustments near roadway intersections, the entire trail length follows the alignment of the former rail line.

There are right-of-way impacts associated with the proposed improvements.  These impacts consist of various rights and easements, both temporary and permanent.

Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2021, based on the availability of funding.  The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $2.65 million.  This project is anticipated to be undertaken with one hundred percent (100%) state funds.

The Public information meeting is being held to afford a full opportunity for public participation and to allow open discussion of any views and comments the community may have concerning this proposed project.

The meeting facility is ADA accessible.  Language assistance may be requested by contacting the Department’s Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109.  Requests should be made at least five (5) business days prior to the meeting.  Persons having a hearing and/or speech disability may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) and instruct the operator to contact (860) 594-2243.  Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance.

If postponement of the public Information meeting is required due to inclement weather or other conditions, it will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at the original hour and location.

Plans of the proposed project will be on display for public review.  Department personnel will be available during the meeting to discuss this project.  More detailed information is available at the Department’s Office of Engineering, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, Connecticut, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.  Anyone wishing to discuss the project may contact Principal Engineer Mr. Hugh. Hayward at (860) 594-3219 or by e-mail at Hugh.Hayward@ct.gov.  Preliminary plans are also available for review at both the Selectman’s Office at the Plainfield and Sterling Town Hall.