The Central Vermont Regional Path was first proposed over ten years ago, as an off-road bicycling and walking path between Montpelier and Barre,  from the Dog River to Upper Graniteville.

Construction has been slow to happen, however, but is still in the works.

The segment from Montpelier to the former Ames Plaza in Berlin is currently still under design, and might be constructed in 2010.  (However, note that the projected construction date seems to be perpetually two construction seasons in the future.)  The path then continues into Berlin and Barre; neither of these segments have moved forward beyond the feasibility stage.

Most recently, Barre Town completed a section of the path (shown in olive green on the map to the right.)

Montpelier Bikes certainly hopes that the Central Vermont Regional Path will move forward.  It will provide a critical off-road route between Montpelier and Barre.  In the meantime, bicyclists must ride on the Barre-Montpelier Road or take the backroad way to Barre, which is hillier with dirt roads.

For more information about the Path:

• City of Montpelier - Works in Progress: Central Vermont Bike Path
• Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission