Final Draft Report Review

The Naugatuck River Greenway TrailThomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Funded by CT OPM Responsible Growth/ TOD Grant and CT DOT/ FHWA

Hired BSC Group, Planning and Engineering Consultants

Project kicked off January 2018

Project Committee: Representatives from Torrington, Litchfield, Harwinton, Thomaston, NHCOG, NVCOG, USACE, Naugatuck Railroad. 2

Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Inventory and assess all potential routes – more than 80 segments assessed

Identify preferred route with input from stakeholders and public

Provide information to local officials for future funding and development opportunities

Include phasing plans and cost estimates3

Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Report provides detailed routing and trail layout and phasing concepts for 7 corridor segments

Other Trail Development Information• Funding Opportunities• Design considerations• Permitting• Maintenance and Safety• Signage and Wayfinding

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Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

30-day comment period ending in March

Nearly 400 comments received – most from very organized Off-Highway-Vehicle (OHV) Community

“Do not eliminate or alter exclusive OHV use at the Dam”

“OHVs cannot share space with Bicyclists and Walkers”

"Only one place for OHVs – there are already enough non-motorized trails"

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Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Thomaston Dam - USACE Flood Control

7 miles owned or controlled by USACE

Thomaston Dam Multiuse Recreation Area

OHVs permitted west of River – but do not have exclusive use.

Abandoned Rail Bed and Old Route 8 were identified as potential routes.

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Thomaston Dam

Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Routing through OHV area met with organized pushback from OHV riders.

Site visits and meetings with OHV and USACE representatives.

In depth investigation of OHV Area:• +200 Trails = +26 Miles• Mostly one way single track trails• Clockwise travel• Route 8 and Railbed – 2-way

Studied additional options to avoid OHV area7

Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

Wherever there was a feasible alternative, the preferred route avoids the OHV area.

Between Valley Road in Harwinton and Thomaston Dam (2 miles) there is no viable route to avoid the OHV area.

Worked with USACE and OHV representatives to develop concept for safe separation for motorized/non-motorized users along Old Route 8.

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Thomaston to Torrington Routing Feasibility Study

OHV user concerns were incorporated into the routing and report

Safety & enjoyment of all permitted users

The USACE has sole discretion over what happens on federal land.

Preferred route was approved by the Project Steering Committee

NVCOG Endorsement

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END PRESENTATION