EASTHAMPTON — The city announced this week that construction is set to commence on the Manhan Rail Trail — the first updates to many sections of the trail since it was first constructed over 20 years ago. 

The multi-use path has become a beloved community spot for outdoor recreation. The six-mile trail connects Southampton, Easthampton and Northampton, and was previously home to a railroad service. 

There are 109 locations along the trail scheduled for repairs, according to the Manhan Rail Trail Committee. Updates to the trail will include crack sealing, trench repairs and asphalt repairs through a mill and overlay. Additionally, there will be root removals and root barrier installations to protect the trail from future root growth, which could present hazards. 

The city is also planning future projects for increased bike connectivity. 

This project is funded by a $330,000 MassTrails grant and a match by the city totaling $100,000. The Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail also donated $10,000 toward this effort. Western Earthworks LLC was awarded the project, and was given notice to proceed with construction earlier this month. 

Sections of the trail will be closed during construction, which is expected to conclude by the end of June. There is not yet a timeline for these closures. 

For updates on this project, visit easthamptonma.gov/820/Manhan-Rail-Trail-Bike-Path. 

Easthampton adopting water restrictions

The city’s required annual restrictions on nonessential outdoor water use will be in effect from May 1 to Sept. 30. 

Outdoor water use will be limited to before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. – when evapotranspiration is lowest – two days per week. 

Nonessential water use pertains to water use that is not required. Uses that fall into the “essential” category include: public safety reasons such as cooling via splash pads and pools, as well as washing boats and other marine equipment to prevent negative saltwater impacts or the transfer of invasive aquatic species; use by permit, statute, regulation or license; use for the production of food or maintenance of livestock; use to meet the core functions of a business; irrigation before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.; use to establish a new lawn to stabilize soil after construction and more. 

For a detailed breakdown of essential water usage, visit easthamptonma.gov. 

Those in violation of water use restrictions may be subject to fines. 

Give gardening a go with ‘Trybrary’ kit

The Westhampton Public Library has added a gardening toolkit to its “Trybrary,” allowing anyone interested in testing out gardening access to all of the tools they need, no purchase necessary. 

The kit is available for a three-week loan period. It includes a Fiskars kangaroo pop-up bag with a 10-gallon capacity, telescoping ratchet loppers, Gardeners pro pruners, a Gardeners lifetime trowel, a Gardeners lifetime cultivator/three-tine hand rake, garden gloves with adjustable wrist sizing, and a spearhead spade. 

Anyone 18 and older with a CWMARS library card in good standing is welcome to check out the gardening kit. 

The kit was made available through an Association for Rural and Small Libraries grant, as well as a corporate discount on tools from Gardeners Supply Company. 

Hydrant flushing throughout spring

The Easthampton Department of Public Works will be conducting its annual hydrant flushing throughout the spring from Monday to Friday.

Water customers may experience low water pressure or discolored water while flushing occurs. Running cold water will help to clear any discoloration. 

Fire hydrant flushing ensures adequate flow and pressure while removing sediment from distribution pipes to ensure water quality. This process will increase water flow in the system and clear up mineral deposits in the pipes. This flushing program is required by the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain water quality and allow for hydrant evaluation. 

Questions can be directed to the Water Department at 413-529-1422 or Clay Weglarz, utilities supervisor at cweglarz@easthamptonma.gov. An FAQ is available at easthamptonma.gov/817/Water. 

Alexa Lewis can be reached at alewis@gazettenet.com.