May 15, 2023
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Jeff Bagg, City Planner
Contact Email:jbagg@easthamptonma.gov
Manhan Rail Trail Closed at Intersection of Payson Avenue
Easthampton, MA – As part of the pedestrian safety improvements underway on Payson Avenue, a section of the Manhan Rail Trail at the crossing of Payson Avenue will be closed until approximately Friday, May 26, 2023. Users are asked to avoid the intersection and seek an alternate route through the intersection.
Earlier this month, work started on this collaborative project between Planning, DPW, and, the Mayor’s office, partially funded by a $200,000 MassDOT Shared Streets grant. The project is aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Construction of a new raised crosswalk for the Manhan Rail Trail on Payson Ave
Installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
Enhancement of crosswalk and minor adjustment to the corner of Railroad Street
Construction of a new 10 feet wide sidewalk along Payson Avenue (in front of the Public Safety Complex) to better connect the Manhan Rail Trail to the downtown
Enhanced ADA ramps and installation of a new bike rack at City Hall
Reconstruction of the roadway (mill and pave, re-setting granite curbs, and repairing sidewalks on south side) from the Manhan Rail Trail to Union Street
The project is expected to be substantially complete by Memorial Day.
###
