In Support of the Mad River Path and Safety!

Posted on 6/25/2024 by Steve Robbins

IN SUPPORT OF THE MAD RIVER PATH AND SAFETY!

The Mad River Path Association in conjunction with other trail builders and recreational trail advocates is stronger than ever. The long-standing goal of building a continuous path from Moretown to Warren is still top of mind and a recently obtained grant to study feasibility to locate it mostly within the Route 100 corridor should be a rallying point for our community.

I support this project 100%!

This idea has been kicking around for at least 30 – 40 years Anyone remember our state representative Lixi Fortna? She believed in the value of such a path and championed the effort to build it back in the late 80’s to early 90’s.

The sidewalk through Irasville and Waitsfield Village is an example of progress and serves as a precautionary tale as a new crosswalk across Route 100 is in the works.

I expect the completion of the bridge across the Mill Brook and development of parking behind the Welcome Center will create a successful Trail Hub and a new destination for locals and visitors alike. There will also be a new crossing of Route 100 to connect to the greater path network. The crosswalk will go from the entrance of Mad Trees Nursery to between Mad River Valley Real Estate and Mad Rover and then on to Dugway Road.

This area, just south of the intersection of VT Routes 100 and 17, is a spot where drivers generally travel way too fast in both directions. It is easy to forecast that adding a steady flow of bikers and pedestrians to this area will create a safety hazard.

We have already seen one tragedy at the Route 100 crossing by Carroll Road.

I sincerely encourage this crossing to include a flashing light which can be initiated by pedestrians and bikers, like the one located next to Montpelier High School.

Better safe than sorry, right?

(Steve last wrote about a recreation trail connecting our community here in November 2021)