Improved Cheney Rail Trail Taking Shape In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — What Manchester economic development officials termed "serious progress" is being made on a project to expand and improve the Cheney Rail Trail system in town.

A recent Tweet from the Park St Bridge showed off the work.

In 2016, Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced $7 million in grants for 38 projects to build, expand, or enhance greenways and multi-use trails in more than 27 communities across the state, including Manchester.

The Manchester Land Trust was designated to receive $152,000 for the acquisition of 2.4 acres and development of a 1-mile link to connect the Hop River and Cheney Rail trails.

Funds received through the program could be used for locally supported trails and trail systems, bikeways and multiuse paths. Grant money could be allocated for a wide variety of purposes, including planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, and greenways as well as for equipment and trail amenities, like parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, and benches.

(Manchester Economic Development)