Trestle Bridge repairs to start in early November

The Town of Belchertown announced Oct. 20 that it will begin rehabilitating the pedestrian trestle bridge over Jabish Brook on the Mass Central Rail Trail during the first week of November. The project is expected to take two to three weeks.

The bridge is located about one mile west of Franklin Street, spanning Jabish Brook and connecting to North Washington Street. The nineteenth-century railroad trestle is used for hiking, biking, dog walking and snowmobiling.

Repairs will address the deteriorated abutment and pier caps and include full replacement of the timber deck, curb and chain link fencing, along with new cross bracing on the bridge's timber pile supports.

During construction, the section of trail immediately around the bridge will be closed to trail users, with a marked detour route available. Materials will be brought in via Franklin Street, but trail access at Franklin Street will remain open to the public. Signs will be posted on-site to keep trail users safe.

The project is funded through a Mass Trails grant secured in partnership with Friends of the Belchertown Greenway. The grant was originally awarded at $86,010. After construction bids came in higher than budgeted, the town requested and received an amendment adding $48,350 in June, bringing the total award to $134,360. The grant requires a 20 percent match, most of which is covered by a $25,000 state earmark designated for the Rail Trail, with the remainder met through in-kind support.

"We know this bridge is a well-loved connection along the trail, and we appreciate everyone's patience while we get it back into safe shape. We're grateful to the Friends of the Greenway for partnering with us to secure the funds to repair this special historic bridge," Conservation Administrator Julie Meyer said in the release.

A grand reopening will be announced once the work is complete. Questions can be directed to the Belchertown Conservation Department at 413-323-0405 or conservation@belchertown.org.

Source: Town of Belchertown announcement, October 20, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.