For Immediate Release

September 12, 2007

Contact: Peter Miller

(413) 562-6454

KNAPIK & SANDLIN ANNOUNCE PROGRESS ON SOUTHWICK BIKE-TRAIL  

Phase II Advertised for Bids; Phase I Bid Award Expected this Fall  

Boston-  State Senator Michael R. Knapik (R-Westfield) and State Representative Rosemary Sandlin (D-Agawam) announced this afternoon that the Massachusetts Highway Department advertised on August 25th for construction bids on Phase II of the Southwick Bike Trail project.  Phase II, which will run approximately from Point Grove Road to the Southwick-Westfield border, is estimated to cost $1.9 million.  Officials are aiming for construction of both Phase I, which reaches from the Connecticut state line to Point Grove Road, and the aforementioned Phase II in the Summer of 2008.  

Phase I of the project, estimated to cost $2.3 million, was advertised last fall and bid openings are anticipated on this portion of the project on October 2nd.  Phase II bid opening is expected on January 8th.   

“The timeliness of this bid advertisement opens the door for both phases of the project to begin construction in 2008,” Knapik said.  “Southwick residents and community leaders have worked diligently over the course of many years to ensure this recreational resource could be enjoyed by the citizens of this community,” he continued. 

The Southwick Rail Trail began as a special project by a group of seventh graders at Powder Mill Middle School.  Their efforts will culminate with the construction of a 6.3-mile, $4.2 million trail to be used by bikers and walkers. 

“The timeliness of the advertisement of this project makes it possible that both portions of this trail can be constructed almost concurrently,” Sandlin offered.  “I applaud the Patrick Administration, Secretary of Transportation Bernard Cohen, and the community leaders of Southwick for making this project a priority,” she concluded.