Blackstone River Greenway facts for kids
The Blackstone River Greenway is a special paved path that's planned to be about 48 miles (77 km) long. It follows the path of an old railroad and canal, connecting Worcester, Massachusetts to Providence, Rhode Island. This path is a great place for biking, walking, and enjoying nature!
As of 2016, some parts of the path are already finished. In Rhode Island, about 11.5 miles (18.5 km) are open, connecting towns like Woonsocket, Lincoln, Cumberland, and Manville. In Massachusetts, about 2.5 miles (4 km) are ready between Worcester and Millbury. Plus, another 3.7 miles (6 km) connect Uxbridge and Blackstone.
The greenway runs next to the Blackstone River and the active Providence and Worcester Railroad tracks. Sometimes, the path even follows the old towpath of the Blackstone Canal, with the old canal on one side and the river on the other. When the greenway is fully built, it will connect to the East Bay Bike Path. This will add another 14.5 miles (23 km) of trail all the way to Bristol, Rhode Island. The Blackstone River Greenway is also a part of the huge East Coast Greenway, which is a 3,000-mile (4,800 km) trail system connecting cities from Maine to Florida!
Contents
How the Blackstone River Greenway Started
Why Was the Greenway Created?
The idea for the Blackstone River Greenway began in 1985. That year, the United States Congress decided to create the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. This corridor follows the Blackstone River from Providence to Worcester. It was set up to protect and share the history and nature of this important valley.
Building the Path in Rhode Island
Work on the Rhode Island part of the greenway started in 1997. The first section, from Lincoln to Ashton, was finished in 1998. More sections opened over the years:
- In 2002, a part from Ashton to Manville was completed.
- In 2007, a new bridge was built in Lincoln. This was a big improvement because the path now goes safely under Martin Street instead of crossing it at the same level as cars.
- Also in 2007, a 2-mile (3.2 km) extension opened from Manville to the Woonsocket Water Treatment Plant.
- In 2008, a 1-mile (1.6 km) section from Lonsdale to Valley Falls opened. This part includes a long boardwalk over the Lonsdale Marsh.
- Later in 2008, a section through the River's Edge Recreational Complex in Woonsocket was finished and connected to the other parts.
- In 2011, special bike lanes opened in Providence. These 8.5 miles (13.7 km) of lanes connect the Blackstone River Greenway to the East Bay Bike Path.
- In 2013, special markings called "sharrows" were painted on roads in Woonsocket. These help guide cyclists from the Massachusetts border to the River's Edge Complex.
- In 2017, a new 0.6-mile (1 km) section was completed in Providence, along the Seekonk River.
As of 2017, the Rhode Island path is about 11 miles (17.7 km) long. More sections are being planned to extend the path further through Woonsocket, Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls.
Building the Path in Massachusetts
In 1996, a plan was made for seven sections of the trail in Massachusetts. These sections would link Worcester with Blackstone, Massachusetts and the Rhode Island border. However, construction was delayed because there wasn't enough money from the state.
The first 2.5-mile (4 km) section, from Worcester to Millbury, finally opened in 2005. This was part of a larger highway project.
In 2010, different state departments agreed to work together to design and get permits for the remaining sections of the greenway.
Important Bridge Work in Blackstone
In 2013, five bridges in Blackstone were repaired and repainted. These bridges are also part of another trail called the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). By 2014, these bridges got new wooden decks and safety railings. Also in 2014, new bridges were built over Kane Court and Main Street in Blackstone, and a tunnel was created under Church Street. The entire 3.7-mile (6 km) path in this area was finally completed in December 2016.
A large part of the trail between Blackstone and Uxbridge is shared by both the SNETT and the Blackstone River Greenway.
Images for kids
-
Bikeway and park sign
-
The Blackstone River Greenway in October 2006, approximately one mile south of the Martin Street Bridge, Lincoln, Rhode Island
