That new rail trail bridge over MA Route 10 connecting Northampton, MA with Easthampton, MA is finally going to get the party it deserves.
Liz Sturgen of the Friends of the Manhan Rail Trail group posted this announcement to the Pioneer Valley MassBike group:
Manhan Rail Trail Grand Opening Ceremony and Rolling PartySunday, May 22 2011Bike riders and walkers are invited to explore the new rail trail and art spots along the way. Riders can meet at 10am at Millside Park in Easthampton for bagels and musical performances, and then at 11 ride to the Route 10 Bridge. At 12, Mayor Higgins and Mayor Tautznik will cut the ribbon on the Bridge, and afterwards the procession will make its way to a concluding lunch at Veteran’s Field in Northampton.
The bridge is gorgeous, and getting it up was a huge undertaking.
All the people who attended a meeting, signed a petition, planned, designed and advocated for it should take a bow. The bridge makes bike commuting and leisure riding between these two communities – and those beyond – a viable, healthy alternative. It also makes the rail trails in Western Massachusetts much more attractive for cycle tourism.
Put the date on your calendar, it’s a party decades in the making!
Video of my first ride across the bridge when it opened last November:
