HADLEY — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has implemented a pedestrian and bicycle detour for the closed Norwottuck Rail Trail tunnel under Route 9 in Hadley.
The tunnel is currently closed for extension work to accommodate the widening of Route 9. It is scheduled to reopen on Friday, Oct. 6. Concurrent to the tunnel closure, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed the segment of the trail from the tunnel to South Maple Street to repair cracks in the pavement.
The new detour will consist of a temporary crosswalk that will allow bicyclists and pedestrians to cross Route 9. After crossing Route 9, bicyclists and pedestrians will be able to follow a designated path separated by a fence from the construction zone. The alternative route will reconnect with the Norwottuck Rail Trail just past the construction zone.
Police detail will be stationed at the Route 9 crossing from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days per week, until the tunnel is reopened.