TOWS Seeks MassTrails Grant to Restore Prospect Avenue Bridge

Published on March 05, 2025

West Springfield, MA:  The Town of West Springfield is pleased to announce that it has officially applied for the 2025 MassTrails Grant to support the restoration and rehabilitation of the historic Prospect Avenue Bridge, located in Bear Hole. This project aims to enhance pedestrian and cyclist access while preserving a key piece of the Town’s infrastructure.

The MassTrails Grant, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (“DCR”), provides funding for projects that promote outdoor recreation and trail connectivity. If awarded, the grant will help the Town advance essential improvements to the Prospect Avenue Bridge, ensuring its safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.

Known as “Bear Hole PATH Connecting Communities,” the project aims to reconstruct the Prospect Avenue bridge, currently closed to motor vehicles, over the active Pioneer Valley Railroad tracks. The proposed bridge would allow the many passive recreational users of the Bear Hole property access to the New England National Scenic Trail and numerous other mountain biking and hiking trails north of the Massachusetts Turnpike and would also provide vital off-road access between West Springfield and Westfield.  Due to state law restrictions relative to crossing active railroad tracks, users are currently prohibited from making this connection, which the proposed bridge would allow.  Once completed, the bridge will also provide a critical link for cyclists between the Columbia Greenway in Westfield and the Connecticut River Greenway in West Springfield via Bush’s Notch, a natural cut in the trap rock ridge of East Mountain.

“Our goal is to restore this vital connection while enhancing the experience for residents and visitors who use the bridge for walking, biking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of our community,” said Mayor Will Reichelt. “This grant will allow us to preserve an important piece of local history while promoting outdoor recreation and connectivity.”

The proposed project includes structural repairs, surface improvements, and safety enhancements to the bridge, which serves as an important link in the Town’s trail network. By securing this funding, West Springfield aims to improve access to natural spaces, encourage alternative transportation, and support the town’s commitment to sustainability and infrastructure investment.

The Town of West Springfield remains committed to investing in community assets that enrich residents’ quality of life. Updates on the grant application and project progress will be shared as they become available.  Additional information about the project can be found on the Town’s website: www.townofwestspringfield.org/BearHolePATH.   

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Mark Noonan, Natural Resource Planner March 5, 2025

mnoonan@tows.org | (413) 263-3072