Central CT Loop Study Home  |  Study Background

Central Connecticut Loop Study

The Lower Connecticut River Valley (aka RiverCOG) is currently studying the feasibility of developing a critical segment of multi-use trail loop through Middletown and Portland. Potentially linking the current end of the Airline Trail (ALT) in Cobalt with the Farmington Canal (FCT) Heritage Trail in Cheshire, a future trail would incorporate the Arrigoni Bridge, the Mattabesset Trolley Trail system in Middletown, and the Quinnipiac Trail in Meriden. Called the Central Connecticut Loop (Central CT Loop) Study, the effort will include:

• vision and goals
• evaluation of multiple route alternatives
• preferred alternative route
• high-level cost estimates
• implementation strategy

In addition, significant community engagement is part of RiverCOG’s contract with the consultant team, and will be completed in coordination with the City of Middletown and the Town of Portland. The team is led by the planning/engineering firm VHB with help from FHI Studio and E-Consult.

Central CT Loop Trail Context

The focus of the Study is to look for opportunities to close a portion of the Central CT Loop between the ALT and the FCT (see highlighted segment in the map below), with emphasis on the route throughout Middletown and Portland. In total, the 111-mile-long Loop trail is intended to run primarily off road and utilize the Airline Trail, the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, the Charter Oak Greenway, and the Hop River Trail. It would link Middletown with Meriden, Southington, Plainville, Simsbury, Hartford, Manchester, Willimantic, East Hampton, and many other communities. Visit The Jonah Center’s website for more information.

Map of the Central CT Loop Trail

For More Information

For more information about trails and pedestrian/bicycle issues in the area, visit these links below:

• RiverCOG’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
• Airline Trail
• Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
• The Jonah Center
• Middletown Complete Streets Committee
• Middletown Trail Guide
• Portland Complete Streets Policy