SOUTHWICK – The Rail Trail is temporarily closed until further notice as members of the Parks and Recreation Commission assess the trail for damage from the Halloween snowstorm.
Commissioner Daniel Call said the trail is too dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“There are lots of trees down,” said Call. “I’d guess there are a few hundred trees from the north end to the southern end in various locations.”
Call said yesterday he is beginning a preliminary assessment this week to identify where the bulk of the trees are located.
“Then we will have an idea of how to handle this,” said Call.
Until the trees are moved, the trail is closed to the public.
“We don’t want people out there under the conditions we have now,” Call said.
He hopes funds from the Federal Emergency Management can be used to assist the town with removal of the trees.
“We will be looking at FEMA and MEMA for funds for this massive cleanup,” said Call.
Call said he believes the trails will be clear in time for the real onset of winter when the trail is used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
The Parks and Recreation will discuss the trail damage as part of its regular meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the department office at Town Hall.
