Adams Conservation Commission Gets Update on Rail Trail Plan
ADAMS, Mass. — A water crossing will have to be rebuilt to accommodate the extended Ashwillticook Rail Trail and the Berkshire Scenic Railway.
Eric Bilik, a design engineer with the state Department of Transportation's District 1, reviewed the modified plans with the Conservation Commission on Thursday. Work on the $2.2 million extension of the trail from Hoosac to Lime Street began this spring.
The 1.2-mile trail section has been delayed several years because of plans to run a new rail line along that same corridor for the Berkshire Scenic Railway. The rail line currently runs from North Adams to Burke Construction on Renfrew Street.
Originally the trail was to go over an existing railroad crossing that goes over water, but after the implementation of the railway plans, the structure had to be checked for integrity, said Bilik.
First it was decided to do minimal work on the crossing and relocate that portion when the train does come through. There is currently no state funding lined up for the rail line; MassDOT is taking commentary on transportation plans now that the local officaisl hope will include rail.
At first, the contractor was going to install safety railings on the bridge, but ultimately decided against it because of its condition.
"He was looking at the crossing and it was very old. The concrete was crumbling and there was exposed rebar," Bilik said. "He didn't believe he could core into that existing structure and have the rails secure."
Bilik said it was decided to completely redo the crossing and put in a new pipe for water to pass through. This way the crossing will be big enough to accommodate both the rail and the trail and will be structurally sound.
Also, the trail won't have to move once the train comes through.
"The trail will be in its permanent location so we are saving costs instead of tearing it out and rebuilding it," he said. "I just think it is the right thing to do."
Because the work area is part of a pre-1973 special act project, the Conservation Commission does not have to give permission to work near the water source. Bilik said the presentation was just to keep the commissioners informed.
"There are no resources in the area and anything would be exempt," Bilik said. "It is more of a courtesy submittal so everyone knows what is going on."
Chairman James Fassell thanked Bilik for keeping the commission in the loop.
"That trail is so public and everyone is asking about it ... so it is good for you to come to us to show us what you are doing."
The board also reorganized and re-elected James Fassell as chairman and Corey Bishop as vice chairman.
The commission tabled Pan Am Railways application requesting wetlands review pending herbicide application along the Adams branch rail line.
Although it is a normal maintenance request, the commission held it because Pan Am has yet pay the $50 application fee.
Tags: Ashuwillticook Rail Trail,
