Take A Hike! Southington OK's Final Phase Of Major Trail Extension

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Town Council reviewed plans May 11 for the final phase of the Southington Linear Trail extension connecting the town's trail to Plainville.

Town officials described the proposal as a major step toward completing the long-discussed project.

Southington Town Manager Alex Ricciardone told council members on May 11 that the state recently provided a proposed route plan for the project and urged the council to support the concept so the proposal could move forward for additional engineering review.

“We’re so close to having the linear trail completed to Plainville,” Ricciardone said during the meeting.

Council Chair Paul Chaplinsky outlined the proposed route, explaining that the trail would continue from Aircraft Road onto Newell Street, which would become a one-way roadway shared by vehicles and the trail.

The route would then proceed west along West Queen Street using one existing lane before turning onto Redstone Street and continuing north toward Townline Road.

Chaplinsky said the state Department of Transportation plans to install a safety barrier separating bicyclists and pedestrians from vehicle traffic along portions of the roadway route.

He also said the design preserves the possibility of using the adjacent railway corridor in the future if it becomes available for trail use.

Councilor Tony Morrison asked whether pedestrians would also be permitted to use the trail route along West Queen Street.

Chaplinsky responded that the trail would accommodate both bicyclists and pedestrians.

Ricciardone credited Southington Fire Chief Jack Daly, engineering department officials David Nourse and Connor Oakes, and members of the Southington Public Works Committee for pushing the state to revise earlier plans that would have routed the trail closer to a high-traffic area near the bottom of West Queen Street.

“It wasn’t safe,” Ricciardone said of the earlier concept.

Councilor Kristen Guida asked whether the project would directly connect into Plainville and whether the town would face additional costs.

Chaplinsky said Plainville is still responsible for completing its segment connecting to Townline Road.

Ricciardone said the project is currently expected to be funded by the state, though Southington will incur some long-term maintenance and operational costs tied to the expanded trail system, including mowing, trash collection and upkeep.

He noted the town’s maintained trail mileage would increase from about two miles to six miles.

For the minutes of the May 11 Southington Town Council meeting, click on this link.