Greenway Committee
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About the Southampton Greenway
After many years of hard work, in December 2022 the Town acquired the Right of Way for the Southampton Greenway from the Pioneer Valley Railroad. This right of way runs 4 ½ miles north from the Westfield line to Coleman Road, where it meets the existing Manhan Rail Trail.
The Town intends to design and build a multi-use recreational trail extending 3.1 miles north from Route 10 near Sheldon’s Ice Cream to Coleman Road. This trail will be open to pedestrians, cyclists and possibly other uses. In the future, the Town will explore options for connecting the Greenway Rail Trail with Westfield’s Columbia Greenway.
Early in 2023 the Town engaged the local civil engineering firm of Tighe & Bond to begin the multi-year process of designing the rail trail. This work has been funded by a generous grants of $300,000 from the 2022 MassTrails Grant Program (with a match of $100,000 from the Town in the form of Community Preservation (CPA) funds); a $320,000 2023 Mass Trails Grant with a CPA match of $65,000; and most recently a $132,000 grant from Mass Trails in 2024.
During 2023 the Tighe & Bond team completed surveying, base mapping, wetlands delineation and condition assessment of the bridges and culverts. On November 15, the engineers from Tighe & Bond led a successful Greenway information session that was attended by about 130 people. During 2024 Tighe & Bond will complete a “25% Design” for submission to the Town of Southampton and MassDOT. Completion of this 25% design in fact represents roughly 70% of the total design work for the Greenway.
The design process is expected to take another 1.5 to 2.5 years to complete, after which the construction of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Path will be put out to bid. It is expected that construction funding for the trail itself will be provided by the Federal government, and the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Plan for fiscal year 2028 allocates $16.2 million to Greenway construction. Other funding sources may be need for parking, signage and other amenities.
Please check this site for regular updates as the design process moves forward. Contact the Greenway Rail Trail Committee (greenway@townofsouthampton.org) with comments or questions at any time.
Southampton Greenway Q&A
Where will the Greenway Rail Trail begin and end?
The Greenway will begin at Route 10 (near Sheldon’s) and run 3 ½ miles north to Coleman Road, where it will connect with Easthampton’s Manhan Rail Trail.
Who will be able to use the trail?
The trail will be available for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. Other uses, such as by equestrians, will be considered during the design process.
Will the trail connect with Westfield's Columbia Greenway?
This is possible in the future but is not currently under discussion. As of Spring 2023 the City of Westfield is in the early stages of exploring options for extending its Columbia Greenway to the Southampton line. Westfield ’s decision on this issue may be an important factor in Southampton’s decision on whether and how to develop a route from Route 10 south to Westfield.
What will the trail look like?
We expect that like the Manhan Rail Trail and other rail trails in our region the Greenway Rail Trail will be paved and wide enough to allow travel in two directions. The design process will ensure that accessibility and safety features will conform with MassDOT guidelines, so that the trail will be accessible and safe for all potential users.
How much will it cost?
The design process is being funded by a series of MassTrails grants, with roughly 20% matching funds from the Town of Southampton. Construction will be funded by the Federal Government. The Town will be responsible for ongoing costs of maintenance and repair (The design process will include projections for these costs.)
How can I have input to the process?
Community meetings to seek comments and community input will occur multiple times during the remainder of the design process.
Please feel free to contact the Greenway Rail Trail Committee (greenway@townofsouthampton.org) with comments or questions at any time.
Background Documents
Feasibility Study Complete (large file)
Offer to Purchase Railbank Agreement
Environmental Assessment 2017 Study
Bridges and Culvert Conditions 2017 Study
Grants
Contacting the Greenway Committee
Email: greenway@townofsouthampton.org
Mailing Address:
Greenway Committee
Town Hall
210 College Highway, Suite 8
Southampton, MA 0107
Members of the Greenway Committee
Select Board Liaison - Stephen Johnson
| Position | Name | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Tauscher | Completion | |
| Ellen Senghas | June 30, 2024 | |
| Mark Kassis | June 30, 2024 | |
| Michael Buehler | June 30, 2025 | |
| David Desrosiers | June 30, 2025 | |
| Janet Brown | June 30, 2025 | |
| Vacant (3 positions) |
Photos
Railroad Views
Gunn Road Trestle
