Even though we are in the winter season, work is continuing on the Route 9/Norwottuck corridor. With this project, MassDOT is making it evident that safety is a paramount concern. Safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and autos is being addressed in all aspects of this project. The design of “separate” paths” for bicyclists and pedestrians and autos represents a new level of safety.

There are approximately 14 pedestrian crossings in the 4-mile stretch of Route 9 between the Coolidge Bridge and University Drive in Amherst. Most, if not all, of these crossings have pedestrian-activated flashing beacons for added safety. There is now, also, the additional installation of a complete “red-yellow-green” traffic light to allow bicyclists on the Norwottuck Rail Trail to safely cross South Maple Street.

There are not many communities that have such a unique and priceless resource as the Norwottuck Rail Trail that allows Valley citizens a very safe trip from Amherst to Northampton without touching a highway.

But, being in the winter season, I find myself asking “why has both MassDOT and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) chosen to exclude a crossing for all of our neighbors, friends, relatives and fellow citizens who enjoy the winter activity of snowmobiling? With the millions of dollars poured into the safe redesign of this Route 9/Norwottuck corridor, one would reasonably conclude that a crossing would have been provided and that the Norwottuck Rail Trail and tunnel would have been an integral and obvious part of the solution for a safe crossing of Route 9.

The decision or policy to omit a crossing for some of our fellow citizens is sorely lacking in any sense of inclusivity, equity or diversity, and especially safety.

Please, let’s all join together and inform both MassDOT and DCR that the community does not wish to deny any of our fellow citizens the safety of the Norwottuck Rail Trail to cross Route 9 during the winter season.

Lawrence Tucker

South Hadley