Bridge across the Winooski River adds another vital link to Vermont's rail-trail network
A bridge for cyclists and pedestrians across the Winooski River in East Montpelier is finished, bringing the Cross Vermont Trail one step closer to becoming a reality.
Greg Western, executive director of the Cross Vermont Trail Association, in an email called the bridge a "big leap forward in the long time dream of reconnecting the old Montpelier & Wells River railroad into a modern rail trail running from Montpelier through Groton State Forest and out to the NH border at Wells River."
The 200-foot-long bridge was hoisted into place back in July. Since then contractors have worked to finish the abutments and structural details, which are now done. A ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the bridge, and the first section of the new trail, is planned for May 2022.
In addition to the Cross Vermont Trail itself, there will be two paths linking with U-32 School, one exclusively for mountain bikes. The Cross Vermont Trail Association is also partnering with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail to make connections to the river from the trail, for portaging and water access.
Cross Vermont Trail staff are working now and next year to build the remaining trails segments; volunteers are invited to help.
For more information, visit www.crossvermont.org.
Contact Dan D’Ambrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Long-awaited Winooski Bridge completed on Cross Vermont Trail
