- The Rails to Trails Recreational Path runs along a 10-mile strip of abandoned LIRR right-of-way which is presently owned by LIPA. The path runs east-west and parallel to Route 25A from Crystal Brook Hollow Road in Mt. Sinai to Wading River Manor Road in Wading River. Part of the project design will consider incorporating the new Tesla Science Museum in Shoreham as a “trail head” that will provide a parking location for the use of the recreational trail.
- The Rails to Trails project was introduced in 2001 by advocates of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Greenway Trail. The project is funded by approximately $10 million in Federal and State grant monies, with a $500,000 match from Suffolk County.
- The trail will be a walkable connection between local recreational areas, schools, businesses, and athletic fields. It will provide a safe place for residents to walk, run, and bike. The project will be a green transportation alternative that will reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and encourage healthier lifestyles. The trail will be in close proximity to many locally-owned businesses along Route 25A and will improve the local economy and promote ecotourism.
- A Civic Advisory Roundtable was formed in February of 2016 in an effort to keep the community informed and involved in the design phase of the project, and to address issues and concerns residents may have as the project progresses. Each civic organization in the 6th Legislative District designated a representative to attend the roundtable meetings to provide input in the development of the trail. In addition to the Civic Advisory Roundtable, public information meetings will be held.
- After overcoming several initial hurdles, the Rails to Trails project is back on track and moving full-steam-ahead. Suffolk County has entered into a licensing agreement with LIPA to utilize the right-of-way for the trail. The engineering group NV5 (formerly the RBA Group) was chosen by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works to plan and design the trail.
- NV5 completed the conceptual plan in April 2017, which was presented and reviewed by the public at three public information meetings. The design was then sent to the New York State Department of Transportation for additional comments and approval.
- The Suffolk County Department of Public Works and NV5 are currently working on a final design that incorporates comments from the NYSDOT. Additional public information meetings will be held in the spring of 2018.
- Suffolk County Department of Public Work anticipates final design completion in 2018 and beginning construction in 2019.
620 Route 25A, Mt. Sinai, New York 11766 • 631-854-1600
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