Published: 6/7/2018 4:15:49 PM
NORTHAMPTON — Since November, community members have used the new railroad underpass off King Street to cross the tracks that divide the city’s rail trail network.
Local government officials, Massachusetts Department of Transportation staff and community members gathered on Thursday to officially celebrate the completion of the $4.4 million project that connects a section of the Mass Central/Norwottuck Rail Trail between King Street and Woodmont Road. As they marked the occasion, cyclists rode through the underpass, taking advantage of the convenience and ease of getting from one side of the rail trail to the other without having to pick up their bikes, walk across the railroad tracks and go through a hole in a fence as was previously the case.
“The underpass is an investment in safety,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack, who noted that in the past month there have been two fatalities in eastern Massachusetts from people walking along railroad tracks. “No one is going to be putting themselves at risk anymore.”
A group of students and teachers from Montessori School of Northampton came to show their appreciation for the new structure. Amalia Guerra, 11, said that she used to cross the railroad tracks with her family when they went on bike rides.
“I remember it used to be annoying to lift your bike up and carry it across the tracks,” Amalia said. “It was always the worst part of the ride.”
She added that she was happy the underpass was created because government officials “stepped into citizens’ shoes” to see what was needed in the community.
Corey Hadden, a teacher at Montessori School of Northampton who rides to work with a toddler in a trailer, said he is glad the underpass was built not only for the convenience and safety aspects, but also because it brings the community together.
“It really connects the community,” he said. “It felt like there was a barrier before.”
Hadden also noted that now it will be easier for Montessori classes to walk to field trips from the school’s location on Bates Street.
The underpass is the hub of the rail trail network, with 16 miles of trail to the west and 11 miles of trail to the east.
Mayor David J. Narkewicz said that the city of Northampton is taking steps to encourage bicycle transportation, such as the upcoming launch of ValleyBike Share, which will serve Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, South Hadley and Springfield. In addition, Northampton has contracted The Pedal People, a local bicycle-powered trash cooperative to do trash and recycling pick-up in the city’s downtown.