POUGHKEEPSIE – The Urban Trail project, a 2.7-mile split-use trail network along the former CSX rail line in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, will see work begin in the next few weeks.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said that tree clearing is set to begin in early March, weather permitting, for phase one of the project. That is a 1.4-mile section that will run from the Hudson Heritage development site in the Town of Poughkeepsie to Parker Avenue (State Route 9G) in the City of Poughkeepsie.
“Residents and visitors near the rail corridor will soon see the definitive signs of the project getting underway as our crews begin clearing trees to make room for this transformative trail network that will connect neighborhoods, businesses, and tourism attractions,” said Molinaro.
Preliminary work will begin with trees and brush being cleared along the entire width of the former rail corridor. Construction work will then begin in later spring to create a 22-foot-wide dual-lane pathway.
An initial section of trail – 0.55 mile stretching from West Cedar Street in the Town of Poughkeepsie and connecting to the Dutchess Rail Trail at Parker Avenue (State Route 9G) in the City of Poughkeepsie – is expected to be complete and open to the public by the end of this year. The remainder of Phase I construction, stretching to the Hudson Heritage development in the Town of Poughkeepsie, as well as the installation of way-finding signage, is expected to be finished by the summer of 2023.
When all phases are complete, the full 2.7 miles of the Urban Trail will be comprised of dual- and single-lane pathways ranging from 16 to 22 feet wide. The trail network will connect many community assets within the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, providing easy connections between housing, jobs, schools, businesses, hospitals, and parks, including the Walkway Over the Hudson, Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, Pulaski Park, and the Poughkeepsie Waterfront. The trail network will have lighting and other security features, secure bike parking, and seating, among other amenities following feedback gathered at multiple public outreach events held over the past year.
The trail network will be maintained for year-round transportation use, including plowing in the winter season. The full project is expected to complete by the end of 2024.
To learn more about the Urban Trail project, visit www.dutchesscountyurbantrail.com.
