NEARING COMPLETION
Officials said the Black Bridge Trail project is almost finished
GREEN ISLAND, N.Y. >> Village officials recently said that the Black Bridge Trail project is nearly completed.
Crews from HMA Contracting began construction work late last year to extend the trail past a renovated rail bridge near Cannon Street that connects to the northern section of the Mohawk Hudson River Bikeway.
Officials said the trail originally stopped at the Green Island end of the bridge, however, crews created a 900-foot extension to the trail to replace the rutted, unpaved surface that was use-able but did not include needed amenities and safety features.
The project included a creation of a designated parking area, as well as the installation of a trail-head, informational and historical kiosks, benches, security cameras, lighting, and bicycle racks, as well as a scenic overlook of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers.
“I was just up there [on Wednesday], they are putting some finishing touches on it,” said Sean Ward, executive assistant to Village of Green Island Mayor Ellen McNulty-Ryan.
Ward said officials are planning to meet later this week to organize putting content in the kiosks, such as some historical photos. Ward said that parts of the project have been delayed due to some materials not being shipped on time.
“As far as the trail goes and the benches, everything is installed and ready to roll,” said Ward.
Last year, the village received over $ 400,000 in various state and federal grants to help fund the project.
“It’s well used, I was just up there, it’s non-stop people going back and forth,” said Ward. “It’s a nice project for the village.”