Central Vermont Regional Path – 9/9/06

The Central Vermont Regional Path is a proposed 14.5 mile regional bicycle/pedestrian facility which will extend from the State Capital - Montpelier through Berlin, Barre City to Barre Town utilizing a former railroad bed and paralleling the Winooski River.  When completed, the Central Vermont Regional Path will connect numerous residential areas with city downtowns (Montpelier, Barre City), commercial & employment areas (Ames Plaza, Central Vermont Shopping Plaza, Wilson Industrial Park), tourist attractions (State Capital Building, Granite Museum, Rock of Ages Quarry), schools (Montpelier High School, Union 32 High School, Spaulding High School, St. Michael’s Elementary School, Barre City Elementary School, Barre Town Elementary School), recreation facilities (Dog River Recreation Area, Montpelier Civic Center, Barre Town Recreation Area), and other paths (Cross Vermont Trail, Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST)  Snowmobile Trails).  Citizen Steering Committees in each town along the route have formed a coalition to plan the route in a coordinated fashion.  

The primary purpose of the Central Vermont Regional Path is to provide a safe, convenient and inviting way for all ages and abilities of bicyclists and pedestrians to traverse the central portion of State between Barre Town and Montpelier.  The completed Central Vermont Regional will support efforts to encourage motorists to leave their vehicles at home and walk or bicycle to work, shopping and cultural attractions.  The Central Vermont Regional Path is also a recreational opportunity for residents and visitors to the area, which promotes tourism and economic development.     

The Central Vermont Regional Path is needed because of the current lack of a clear, safe connection. Routes 2, 302, & 14 serve as the main vehicular transportation corridor between Montpelier, Berlin, Barre City, and Barre Town.  The Corridor has a dense concentration of businesses and industries that generate intensive use of this road for local and through travel.  Average annual daily traffic can be as high as 18,000 vehicles.  There are speed limits as high as 40 mph.     The high traffic volume, high operating speeds, frequent number of turning vehicles, congested travel lanes, lack of sidewalks, and  inadequate shoulders present hazardous conditions for both bicyclists and pedestrians along the roadway corridor. This project is meant to create a safe, convenient and direct route for pedestrians and bicyclists in this corridor.