A vision coming true: Study finds 104-mile rail trail connecting Northampton-Boston would generate millions, increase health
Maddie Fabian | Daily Hampshire Gazette | July 9, 2023
By the end of this decade, if not sooner, bicyclists will be able to hop on the rail trail at the J. Elwell Conservation Area in Northampton, cross the Connecticut River, and travel across the state 104 miles on the same path all the way to Boston.
As they traverse the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT), users might stop at a local restaurant for a meal, shop for souvenirs from small businesses, and stay the night at a bed and breakfast or campground.
“In a perfect word, my high altitude, high in the blue sky estimate is that it could be done in five years,” said Craig Della Penna, a longtime rail trail proponent and president of the Norwottuck Network, a nonprofit that supports the construction and operation of the MCRT.
Once the entire stretch is complete — to the tune of between $100 million to $150 million, though the state Department of Transportation has yet to provide an estimate — it would bring with it a wealth of health, wellness and economic benefits in the amount of $87 million to $182 million annually, according to a recent report released by Norwottuck Network.
Norwottuck hired Kittelson & Associates Inc. for $75,000 to evaluate the potential impact of the trail’s completion. The resulting report, “Envisioning a Statewide Connection: Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study,” was released in mid-May.
Among the highlights, the report found that the bicycle and pedestrian trail, which runs along the Massachusetts Central Railroad corridor, has the potential to quadruple annual trail usage to between 4 and 5 million, leading to increased overnight lodging, new job opportunities and reduced health costs as a result of more people getting physical activity.
“When [the trail] becomes long enough for overnight visitors, like families with little kids who may be able to go 20 or 30 miles, then go overnight camping or a bed and breakfast or small hotel, that’s where the numbers really jump,” Della Penna said.
As of now, 59 miles of the trail are open, nine miles are under construction, and another 94.5 miles are owned by protecting agencies such as municipalities and land trusts. The trail starts on Pleasant Street in downtown Northampton and ends in the Paul Revere Park in Boston.
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