Before the NRG trail can be designed and built, an important first step is to determine the preferred route that the trail will take. Routing studies are conducted to look at physical and environmental constraints, public and stakeholder opinion, trail setting and type, and costs/ benefits of various route options. They weigh the pros and cons of potential routes and choose the one that will be the most feasible or beneficial to residents or trail users. Routing studies also present construction cost estimates and phasing recommendations, better preparing communities to look for and secure funding for the trail.
Routing Studies
In 2010 NVCOG conducted routing studies for the NRG Trail in Beacon Falls, Naugatuck, Watertown, and Thomaston. The same year, the Waterbury Development Corporation conducted a NRG routing study for the City of Waterbury.
In 2020 NVCOG conducted a routing study for the NRG trail from Thomaston to Torrington.
The studies:
- Inventoried all potential routes
- Identified physical and environmental constraints.
- Identified important destinations in the corridor.
- Solicited public input through workshops and public engagement sessions.
- Recommended a preferred route for the greenway.
- Provided design and construction cost estimates.
- Recommended phasing for construction.
A consultant team led by Alta Planning + Design conducted the 2010 studies. NVCOG staff and BSC Group led the 2020 study.