About the Study
Vision Statement
“The vision for the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and CTfastrak Gap Closure study is to connect the communities with a world-class multi-use trail that closes the gap in the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT) through the towns of Southington and Plainville with a connection to the CTfastrak station in downtown New Britain. These links will prioritize safety, comfort, and mobility for all users, regardless of age or ability, through cohesive and attractive trails that promote economic and community vitality.”
Objective
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), the Connecticut Department of Transportation (Department), the Town of Plainville (Plainville), the Town of Southington (Southington), the City of New Britain (City) and the Plainville Greenway Alliance (PGA) have conducted this study to evaluate the feasibility of potential alignments and infrastructure needs for the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail (FCHT) through Plainville and into Southington and a connection to New Britain’s bicycle network and CTfastrak station.
The study had two distinct objectives:
- Close the Gap in the FCHT through Southington and Plainville and
- Identify a connection to the CTfastrak station in New Britain.
The FCHT runs from New Haven, CT to Northampton, MA, covering approximately 84 miles. Of these 84 miles, the only Gap in the trail is through the Town of Plainville and into Southington, all other sections are either completed, or in design or construction. The Plainville section has not been completed due largely to an active rail line being present within the FCHT corridor.
The recent opening of CTfastrak in Connecticut includes a new multi-use trail for central Connecticut. The next logical step is to connect the FCHT to the CTfastrak station in New Britain and its adjacent multi-use trail to further enhance the bicycle and pedestrian amenities in the region. Since all CTfastrak buses are equipped with bicycle racks, this connection can greatly extend the distance a cyclist can travel to get to their destination.
The plan is currently in the planning and design phase.
Documents
Gap Closure Trail Study Final Report – FCHT Section
Gap Closure Trail Study Final Report – CTfastrak Section
Links
Meeting Agendas, Minutes, and Materials
Gap Closure Study – General Info Brochure (English, Spanish, and Polish)
Minutes
Plainville, Southington, New Britain Workshop Findings (October 6) Minutes
Steering Committee/Technical Team Workshop Findings (October 6) Minutes
New Britain Collaborative Planning Workshop (October 4) Minutes
Plainville Collaborative Planning Workshop (October 3) Minutes
Technical Team Meeting #1 (July 27, 2016) Minutes
Public Informational Meeting #1 (July 26, 2016) Minutes
