Multi-Use Trail
A five mile multi-use trail runs along the CTfastrak bus-only roadway connecting the Downtown New Britain Station and the Newington Junction Station. Pedestrians and cyclists may use the trail to get to a CTfastrak station or simply for recreation.
The paved trail is 10 feet wide and separated from the roadway by a fence. A short section of the trail travels along East Street in New Britain due to an underpass that is too narrow to accommodate both the roadway and the trail. The trail rejoins the CTfastrak roadway at East Street Station.
Like all multi-use trails, it is open from dawn to dusk and is not cleared of snow, ice or leaves. However, sections of the trail that provide pedestrian access from local neighborhoods to stations will be kept clear. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the multi-use trail. Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed and under their owner’s control at all times, and owners must clean up after them.
At Newington Junction, the CTfastrak bus-only road meets up with and operates alongside Amtrak. The corridor narrows here so the multi-use trail ends at Newington Junction Station. The Capitol Region Council of Governments and CTDOT are working together to extend the trail from Newington Junction to Hartford along alternate routes.
Pedestrian Access Beyond the Stations
Although pedestrian access beyond the immediate station areas is beyond the scope of the project, CTDOT is working with regional planning organizations and municipalities to prioritize pedestrian access improvements in the CTfastrak communities. You should see additional connections being made as new projects are built in the station areas. For example, as part of the construction of a new campus police station, CCSU will build a sidewalk to connect the campus to the Cedar Street station sidewalks.
Security Features
The stations have been designed incorporating the principles of "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED). This is a design approach that deters criminal behavior by designing safer station areas with improved visibility and a more open feel. In concert with this, the stations incorporate the use of video cameras and “blue light” call boxes. Additionally, stations have lighting along the sidewalks, parking lots and platforms.
The CTfastrak Multi-Use Trail is similar to other trails of its kind throughout the State; lighting and security features are not part of these types of recreational facilities, as they are intended for dawn to dusk use.