Grant Would Help Address Trail Safety Concerns

As crews plan to finish work on new sections of the Farmington River trail this year, Police Chief Christopher Arciero hopes the state will bolster the town’s safety initiatives.

While the trail is a great benefit to the community, it will eventually intersect seven Canton streets, which causes some safety concerns, especially on busier roads, Arciero said.

He has put together a proposal for a $5,000 grant application under the state Department of Transportation’s High Safety Program.

If the Board of Selectmen approves the idea at its meeting Wednesday night, the town would then officially apply for it.

“I’m hoping they’ll accept it and move forward,” Arciero said.

Expected to open some time this year are sections from River Road (Route 179) to Maple Avenue and then to Lovely Street near Best Cleaners and Route 44. The town is also talking to representatives at The Shoppes at Farmington Valley about potentially putting a trailhead and kiosk in the upper parking lot at Kohl’s, according to officials.

The new section is part of the Farmington River Trail, an 18.3-mile trail from Farmington to Simsbury that links to the larger Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. When the portions in Canton and one in Farmington are completed, about 10.2 miles of the 18-mile loop will be paved. Much of the rail bed from Route 44 to Simsbury has been lost to development but some cyclists still complete the loop on roads.

As the new sections open, police will take actions, such as placing a speed trailer near the crossing on Route 179 and increased bicycle patrols, Arciero said.  

“It will still be one of the things we’ll do as part of our community policing program,” he said.

The grant, however, would allow the department to fund additional hours for speed enforcement and bicycle patrols as well as provide funds for numerous other programs, the chief said.

Some of those ideas include helmets for needy families, safety talks and seminars at schools, public fairs and other locations, bicycle rodeos with the Parks and Recreation Department, other enforcement initiatives, data documentation and assessment and partnerships with non-profits and town agencies to increase awareness and safety initiatives.

“Hopefully it addresses a lot of the issues,” Arciero said.

Farmington Valley Trails Council President Bruce Donald said while the organization is thrilled with trail usage and its boon to economy, health and recreation, there have been safety issues.

While various traffic calming measures are used, education is important for both motorists and trail users, he said.

“I’m really excited that they’re being proactive about this issue,” Donald said.