2016The East Coast Greenway (ECG) when completed will run from Key West, Florida to Maine. The 190-mile Connecticut portion of the ECG shows off the unique diversity of the state, from our historic coast and inland areas, to showcasing our urban, suburban and rural communities. 33% (over 60 miles) of the route is completed as off-road multi-use trail, and another 27% is in development. Many of the remaining gaps in the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Plainville, and Farmington (9.1-miles); and the 9.8-mile spur route from Simsbury through Bloomfield to Hartford are being planned or designed right now. The ECG is important for recreation, but also has the potential to bring economic benefits to Bloomfield. Hundreds and thousands of people may pass through annually and could be encouraged to stop for lunch, bicycle supplies and more, since the trail will pass through the center of town.
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History
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The first portion of the Bloomfield section, from Route 189 before entering the Tariffville Gorge to Day Hill Road, has been under study for more than 10 years. Funding for construction was approved over a year ago. However, construction of this portion has not begun – delay after delay has been a problem. It is now slated for construction next spring. How Bloomfield greets this opportunity will determine just how attractive an economic benefit and stopover it will be. |
What can we do?
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We need to make sure that our Town government and DOT stay on top of this project to see that the Bloomfield leg is completed next year, to put some “trail on the ground.” Going forward, citizens need to insist that bike and pedestrian trails are essential and get them in the budget and town work plans so that other connections move forward in a more timely fashion.
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