Rabbit Run Rail Trail

HSH assisted the Town of Athol with securing and implementing multiple MassTrails Program grants for the development of the proposed Rabbit Run Rail Trail (RRRT). The first grant was to perform a feasibility evaluation of the abandoned rail bed of the Rabbit Run Railroad to formalize a section as an accessible recreation space. The entirety of the proposed RRRT would extend 6.2 miles and has the potential to support biking, hiking, and equestrian use, and connect the center of Athol with conservation areas in South Athol and New Salem. Building upon our feasibility for the Town, HSH assisted with obtaining a second MassTrails grant for the design of the first phase the RRRT from Bidwell Farm to Thrower Road. HSH provided all necessary civil and structural engineering, design, and permitting consulting services including the preparation of shovel-ready plans, specifications, and estimate (PS&E) suitable for public advertising for construction. Our scope also included community engagement services including public presentations on the preliminary and final design submissions for the Town to gain local support to advance this phase of the Project through to construction bidding.