Bristol – Downtown Trail Routing Study

The NVCOG, in collaboration with the City of Bristol, conducted a study of potential downtown routing options to provide a safe, continuous connection between Rockwell Park in the west to Downtown, continuing east to Route 229. Additional funding was sought to route a connection from Route 229 to a meeting point with the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail in Plainville. 

This study aimed to build off of the recently completed Route 229 Corridor Study which recommends adding a shared-use side path between Interstate 84 in the south to Route 6 in the North. These two routes combined will provide a north-south and east-west connection through Bristol, ensuring a safe and accessible way for non-motorized users to travel.   

View the final report.

Public Involvement Process

We strive to create a public involvement process that is collaborative, accessible and inclusive. During the course of the study, our team will use a variety of tools to engage the public in a discussion and dialogue regarding the future needs of the City and how to best accommodate all users.  

We will conduct interviews with stakeholders, prepare an online survey, develop an interactive map, conduct public information meetings, and provide frequent updates via this website and NVCOG’s social media platforms. Additionally, all documents related to the project will be posted to this website for review and comments. All are encouraged to participate in this project. If you have a question or would like to provide a comment, suggestion or have an idea, please email rdonovan@nvcogct.gov.   

Public Meetings

A series of public meetings was conducted with the dual purpose of sharing findings and hearing comments directly from the community and those who use the corridor regularly. These meetings were open to all members of the public, and all meetings were recorded and put onto the website. Virtual options were provided for all of the meetings as well to ensure the broadest participation. 

The first public meeting was held on Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library Meeting Room 2. There was a second public meeting on Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Bristol Public Library Meeting Room 2. In addition to the public meetings, a draft report of the study was posted with a 30-day public comment period.

Walk Audit

Online Survey

Social Media

In addition to this website, we will keep you up-to-date regarding the project’s status and progress on NVCOG’s social media platforms, which include Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Follow us there! 

This map shows the study area. The first segment of trail will connect Rockwell Park to Bracket Park at School Street, following the path of the Pequabuck River. The trail will start north of the river, near Jacobs Street, and cross just west of West Street. The trail would potentially cross the river twice more near the Clara O’Connell School building due to grade and right-of-way constraints. The second segment will connect Bracket Park to Route 229 along Memorial Boulevard.

With comments or questions, please contact: 

Elliot Wareham
Transportation Planner
ewareham@nvcogct.gov

Above is the provisional timeline for the study. The NVCOG and City of Bristol expect to generate a series of recommendations in summer 2023. 

Pequabuck River Trail Study Report
Appendix A – Survey Responses
Appendix B – Bikeway Design Technical Standards Memo
Appendix C – Public Comment

PAC Meeting Presentation (2/9/23)

PAC Meeting Report (2/9/23)

Public Information Meeting Press Release (2/24/23)

Public Information Meeting Presentation (3/8/23)

Public Information Meeting Recording (3/8/23)

Walk Audit Flyer (4/20/23)

Public Meeting #2 Presentation (5/24/23)

Public Meeting #2 Recording (5/24/23)