WESTFIELD – For several years, a local pedestrian and bike path has been under construction. With completion in sight, The Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is almost ready for everyone to enjoy.

In 2009, construction of the Rail Trail began. It was built on a canal that was once led by horse drawn boats, then later turned into a railroad. From Southwick all the way up to Westfield, people can use this trail for many different purposes.

Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail Board of Directors Chair Carmel Steger said, “This recreational rail trail allows people to get out safely, get exercise and enjoy nature.”

Uncommon from most bike paths and trails, it’s on an elevated surface. This allows for beautiful views of the downtown area. While on the path, users can also see where the canals once were winding their way through Westfield and Southwick.

The bike trail in Westfield is about 2.2 miles long and the Southwick trail is about 6.3. For those who enjoy biking, they can ride all the way down to New Haven, which is about 70 miles. This connects to the Farmington Valley bike trails.

There are currently four bridges being constructed. Steger said, “We just installed three bridges in downtown. The downtown section of the center will meet Esplanade and two bridges going North.”

Steger explained that the Main Street Bridge has yet to be installed, whereas the Elm Street Bridge needs a lot of renovation. Renovations will include restrooms, architectural enhancements and places to rest. It will also allow for people to cross over the river. The goal is to have this completed by Spring, 2021.

With construction taking place for 11 years, it has been funded in part by a combination of state agencies. The Mass Department of Transportation and The Department of Conservation and Recreation, both donated funds. Local donations have also been made from Westfield’s Community Preservation Fund.

“In total, from 2009 to present, the cost has been about 20 million dollars,” said Steger.

The Friends of Columbia Greenway Rail Trail have a great board, according to Steger, who explained, “We advocate the trail and make sure we have adequate funds for it.”

The board responsible for informing the public on particular events. They also report to police, engineers and state departments about any sort of vandalism or storm damage and if trees have fallen in the path.

For regular trail users, there is an active membership, along with a newsletter. Due to COVID-19, there have not been many new events. However, access to the trail has remained open and has been busy.

“The trail use has gone up exceptionally. We encourage use of the Rail Trail for exercise and safe socialization during these isolating times,” Steger stated. They are following all Massachusetts and CDC guidelines for social distancing and mask wearing.

Additional information on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail can be found through their Facebook and Instagram page and on their website at columbiagreenway.org.