The Narragansett Bay Commission indicates that the Woonasquatucket Bikeway closure between the Merino Park Bridge and the Manton Ave Gateway will reopen in the second week of June. Work is finishing up on paving the path after many months. The project along the river is part of a much larger project to reduce the amount of untreated waste that flows into the bay and includes installation of a 12,900 ft long, 48-66″ Combined Sewer Outflow tunnel along the river. Closed since late September 2011, pathway users will no longer be detoured to Manton Avenue.
In related news, RIDOT and DEM are working to add two new segments to the path this summer. Construction has begun on a new off-road connector along the river through Donigian Park and connecting to Delaine Street. Once completed, the new segment will include a bridge just above the dam and fish ladder behind the Rising Sun Mills complex. Work began April 24th and should complete in September, hopefully in time for the Woony River Ride. (Construction Map)
Lastly, a new path loop is under development on the southwest side of Route 6 extending north from Merino Park along the river, crossing over Route 6 on Glenbridge Avenue. The new loop connects with the current spur that serves Buttonhole Golf Course allowing for viewing of the river from new vantage points and new vista’s for long time path users. This path segment is also expected to complete in September.
A large PDF map of the Greenway with the new segments is downloadable: Greenway-Map-8-OL-1
For More information about the Woonasquatucket River Greenway, including events, cleanup days, and other updates, visit the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council website.