Cycle Track Installation

The concept of a cycle track on the south side of Barre St is considered a short term solution to closing the final gap in Montpelier’s shared use path. This approach, along with a recreation path in the same area as the long term solution, was recommended in the Main St/Barre St Bicycle and Pedestrian Scoping Study which was adopted by the City Council in 2019. With support from the Transportation Advisory Committee, the Complete Streets Committee, and the City Council, staff intended to install the cycle track in the summer of 2022 and 2023 however unexpected circumstances in both cases prohibited staff from being able to complete it. The City currently has a state grant to design and construct the shared use path solution on the south side of Barre St and are anticipating beginning construction next year.

The cycle track will act as a short term measure while the long term solution is being designed, which is a 10-foot wide shared use path in this same area. At this time the construction of the shared use path is scheduled for summer 2025. Both the cycle track and shared use path were approved as the short term and long term solutions for filling the gap in Montpelier's recreation path which spans the entire length of the City and also serves as a portion of the regions Cross Vermont Trail.