HADLEY — A tunnel that brings the Norwottuck Rail Trail below Route 9, just west of Pulse Cafe and Gardener’s Supply Co., will be closed starting Tuesday, forcing bicyclists and pedestrians to use alternate routes for the next month.
Along with shutting down the tunnel until Oct. 6 as part of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s ongoing widening project on the state highway, the state Department of Conservation and Recreation is also closing an extended segment of the trail. During this time, the rail trail from the tunnel running east toward South Maple Street, and extending behind the Mountain Farms Mall, will be closed so pavement cracks can be repaired.
Signs are expected to be posted so those who would normally use the rail trail for recreation or commuting will understand what is happening.
In a joint statement, though, MassDOT and DCR note that they encourage bicyclists and pedestrians to find safe alternative routes, even with no formal detours being implemented.
The crack repair work is expected to be completed before the tunnel extension work, though all work is dependent on weather and may change without notice.
For information on traffic conditions, people can download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions and project information. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions, dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions and follow @MassDOT on X to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.