This trail is open year-round in Poughkeepsie: Here's the route, safety measures in place

The first phase of Dutchess County's urban trail project, the Marcus J. Molinaro Northside Line, has opened to the public.

At a gathering on the trail Dec. 16, Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil unveiled the trail's new name and announced it is now open for public use year-round.

He was joined by U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro of New York’s 19th Congressional District, O'Neil's predecessor, in addition to community leaders and stakeholders including Scenic Hudson, Walkway Over the Hudson, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Marist College officials, members of the Marist track program as well as runners from the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club.

“This trail is a fantastic new connection for residents, visitors and students alike," O’Neil said in a statement. "And for those looking to get more exercise, this split-use trail is a perfect way to safely connect to our popular WRS Dutchess Rail Trail and the world-renowned Walkway Over the Hudson."

The new name, county officials said, highlighted Molinaro's contributions as Dutchess County Executive including improvements at Quiet Cove Riverfront Park, Bowdoin Park and Wilcox Memorial Park, purchasing and developing properties such as Camp Nooteeming in Pleasant Valley, the Lake Walton Preserve in East Fishkill and the Northside Line.

Where is the MJM Northside Line

Connecting the town and city of Poughkeepsie from the Hudson Heritage Plaza to Parker Avenue by state Route 9G, this 1.2-mile dual-lane pathway is 16-22 feet wide and can be used by pedestrians or cyclists.

The trail, county officials said, provides greater accessibility to community assets such as housing, jobs, schools, businesses, hospitals and parks.

"The Northside Line, going past our future Scenic Hudson headquarters and community space, is so important to Poughkeepsie, providing an important link for the City’s northside neighborhoods, where many households face economic challenges and do not have access to a household vehicle," Seth McKee, executive director for The Scenic Hudson Land Trust, Inc. and Land Programs said in a statement. "Being able to walk or bike to educational resources, recreation, groceries and more is vital."

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Projects like this one help close "the nature gap," McKee said, referring to disparities in access to nature and outdoor spaces. The construction of the trail, he added, allows for climate-smart infrastructure and helps to ensure equity and nature are at the forefront in the county.

Poughkeepsie trail is open 24 hours: Here are the safety measures in place

The path has lighting, secure bike parking, bench seating along with bike repair stations. During the winter months, it will be plowed as needed. The trail is also monitored by security cameras and law enforcement patrols, to allow for safe, 24-hour use.

City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department's new Utility Terrain Vehicle will be stored in a shed adjacent to the pathway to expedite response time.

"We appreciate Dutchess County stepping up once again and delivering a Municipal Innovation Grant to the City of Poughkeepsie," City of Poughkeepsie Fire Chief Joe Franco said in a statement. "This grant has allowed us to purchase a vehicle that will be used to protect the safety and health of people, residents and visitors alike, who are using the rail trail and might require medical assistance."

Project details and the potential for further expansion

The MJM Northside Line was built on the former CSX rail line purchased by Scenic Hudson as a part of their initiative to increase public trail use in the county. Scenic Hudson transferred ownership of the property to the county in 2019 and construction began in 2022.

In total, the project cost $11.6 million, funded in part by federal American Rescue Plan dollars.

With the final span of the pathway finished earlier in the fall, the trail is considered to be “substantially” completed, according to county officials. Still to come are the installation of wayfinding signage and permanent, decorative safety railings. A formal ribbon-cutting event is planned for the spring of 2024.

A potential next phase of the trail would continue to the Marist College campus, providing connections to residential housing at One Dutchess as well as Upper Landing Park, Waryas Park and the Poughkeepsie Train Station along the Hudson River waterfront. The county did not provide a timeline or next steps for that phase.

See the Dutchess County Parks website to learn more about the Northside Line project.

This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: New Poughkeepsie rail trail open for use: Here's the route