The Norwottuck Rail Trail is an 11-mile multi-use trail in Massachusetts that links Northampton, Amherst and Hadley and extends from Northampton to Belchertown. Originally a part of the Boston & Main Railroad, built by the Central Massachusetts Railroad Company in 1887, the Norwottuck Rail Trail has proven itself an excellent recreational path for cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchairs, skaters and joggers of all ages since its opening in 1992.

The rail trail was named Norwottuck because historians believe that the Native Americans who lived there before European settlers arrived were called the Norwottucks. The translation means “in the midst of the river.”

This trail is seeing a lot of rehabilitation this year, particularly for the trail’s oldest sections. The changes include upgrades of trail surfaces for safety and the widening of the path to 10 feet where possible. Signage and trail amenities will be upgraded, bridges redecked and parking improved, among other things, in this $4 million project.

PermaTrak is playing a part in the installation of a boardwalk over wetlands near Hadley, MA. It will add 130 linear feet to the trail, providing greater connectivity and over 12 feet of usable space for travelers taking advantage of this multi-use trail.

We posted details about the project when it was in its early stages. Now here’s an update on the boardwalk construction along the Norwottuck Rail Trail. It’s coming along smoothly!