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Hanover Branch Rail Trail Extension

Whistle Pole

Project Summary:

The Town of Hanover is currently working to construct a shared-use pathway that develops & extends the Hanover Branch Rail Trail across West Hanover. This project will connect Hanover with the successful shared-use pathway that travels through neighboring towns of Abington and Rockland.

The Hanover Branch Rail Trail is part of a multi-community project that provides direct pedestrian connections between our historic village centers, commerce centers, school campuses, and local recreation areas located along the rail line. This project also connects to the Hanover Open Space trail network, including The Hanover Greenway, The Colby Phillips Trails, and The Wildlands Trust Land Preserve. This project fills in a critical network gap in that the Town of Hanover is currently not connected to the Hanover Branch Rail Trail and this project will establish that connection.

For more information on the project's background & development, please visit https://www.hanover-ma.gov/hanover-branch-rail-trail-extension.

Project Plans:

Project Updates:

  • Week of February 27, 2023

    • Additional tree removal work was undertaken in the vicinity of the intersection of Circuit Street & Route 139 (Hanover Street) to allow for removal of the rails and ties in this area.
    • Removal of the Rails and Ties continued from 1350 Hanover Street to the Drinkwater River Crossing.
    • Removal of the Rails and Ties commenced from Circuit Street to the Rockland Town Line.
    • Site Photos

  • Week of February 20, 2023

    • Removal of the Rails and Ties continued on upland areas of the project site proximate to 1350 Hanover Street;
    • Erosion control devices are being installed along the site to allow for work to proceed in areas adjacent to wetlands;
    • Site Photos

  • Week of February 13, 2023

    • Site work began this week with some limited tree clearing, limbing, & removal on the upland portions of the site located proximate to 1350 Hanover Street;
    • Site Photos

  • Week of January 9, 2023

    • A bid opening for work to include establishing erosion controls, limited tree removal work, removal and disposal of the existing rails & ties, and rough grading was performed by the Department of Public Works on January 9, 2023
    • Contract documents were drafted and awarded to Mass Pavement Reclamation of Hanover.