New Rail Trail To Link Poughkeepsie Neighborhoods

A new 2.7-mile section of rail-trail is set for construction in Poughkeepsie. The 'V' shaped project will link several local neighborhoods and extend past Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital to Marist College and the future Hudson Heritage development.

According to a press release from Scenic Hudson, the Dutchess County Legislature approved plans in July to take ownership of the corridor and to develop the new trail. Formerly used as a freight train spur, the tracks have not been in use since the early 1980s. The property was previously owned by CSX and was acquired via the federal railbanking process. This allows a railroad and trail agency to collaborate on the use of out of service corridors until a railroad might again need it for service.

Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan had this to say about the project, 'creating the trail will provide exciting new recreational opportunities that will improve the health of Poughkeepsie residents, and it presents great potential for expanding tourism and much-needed jobs in their Northside neighborhoods'.

The new section of trail will also have connections to the William R. Steinhaus Rail Trail and the future Empire State Trail.

ScenicHudson.org

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Listen to Afternoons With Simon weekdays from 3 PM to 7 PM on 92.7/96.9 WRRV. Stream us live through the website, your Alexa-enabled device, Google Home or the WRRV mobile app.