BCRC Scoping Study into Potential Bennington-Pownal-Williamstown Shared Use Path
Last Updated 2/1/2021
​Project Overview
BCRC staff are completing a scoping study to assess feasibility of developing a shared use path to connect Bennington and Pownal, VT to Williamstown, MA along the historic trolley bed alignment of the Berkshire Street Railway, which operated trolley car service in the region from 1907 to 1929. The proposed path would provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists to commute among the towns. Plans to develop similar shared-use paths to Williamstown from North Adams and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail could combine with a Bennington-Williamstown path to create a continuous 40-mile shared-use path linking southwestern VT and the Berkshire region. 

A project steering committee with representatives from communities in the study area is assisting with development of the final scoping study report.  This project is funded by the Vermont Agency of Transportation through their Bike and Pedestrian Program. The final scoping report will be completed by the end of 2020. 

For more information, contact Cat Bryars at cbryars@bcrcvt.org or 802-442-0713 x310. 
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Draft Trolley Path Report - February 2021
The draft of the Trolley Path Scoping Study is out for Vermont agency comment. A final report will incorporate input and be published in early spring 2021. View draft report here:
HOORWA 3 Trails Presentation - February 2021
The Hoosic River Watershed Association (HOORWA) hosted its annual State of the River Conference on February 17, 2021. The conference featured presentations on three planned or proposed shared use paths that would connect Bennington, VT to North Adams, MA: The Trolley Path, Williamstown Mohawk Path, and the North Adams Adventure Trail. Presentations start at minute 8:30. 
Williams College Student Report - December 2020
In the fall of 2020 for an environmental planning course, three Williams College students completed an independent report on topics inspired by  the Trolley Path Scoping Study. Petra Baldwin, Mohammed Memfis, and Henry Newell did a wonderful job. Thanks to them and their professor, Dr. Sarah Gardner (member of the Trolley Path Steering Committee), for their interest in the proposed path. The findings in the student report are independent and entirely separate from the Scoping Study process. 
Williams College Student Report Presentation
Virtual Meeting Recording
December 17, 2020
Trolley Path Alternatives Presentation
Meeting to share and gather input on possible alternate routes for the proposed path.
Virtual Meeting Recording
​September 16, 2020
Local Concerns Presentations
Pownal, VT
​July 23, 2020
Bennington, VT
​July 27, 2020
Williamstown, MA
​Date: October 12, 2020