On a chilly Wendesday evening we gathered at the Lareau Pavilion to present the major findings of the Mad River Path scoping study. Completed over the summer by our partners at VHB, the scoping study involved a process of community input, surveying current conditions, and identifying the priorities for implementation.
Attendees gathered and mingled to discuss the results of the first two public meetings: the first in November 2024 which identified the preferred alternatives for the path, and the second in March 2025 at which attendees voted for the various paths forward. At the final meeting, Mad River Path Executive Director Misha Golfman and VHB Director of Transportation Jenn Conley presented the major findings of the completed scoping study and the plan for upgrading and connecting sections of the path.
Major Findings of the Scoping Study
Three alternatives were evaluated: Alternative A would improve existing trails only, Alternative B would add widened bike lanes along Route 100/100B, and Alternative C would build a 10-foot separated path from traffic.
The study demonstrated strong community support for Alternative C with over 200 residents participating across two public meetings resulting in 218 out of 280 votes (78%) supporting a fully separated shared-use path.
The study identified the preferred alternative to be a hybrid approach that prioritizes safety by combining new construction of a 10-foot wide, shared-use path, with improved existing trails where feasible. This approach would provide safe active transportation access for all ages and abilities, linking villages to schools, businesses, and recreation areas, serving as a major tourism and economic development driver, and creating Vermont’s premier multimodal corridor.
Implementation will begin with a 1.1 mile section from Warren Village to Riverside Park.
Thank you to everyone who attended the public events — your input was crucial for moving this project forward and securing the funding necessary to implement the vision. We will continue to use our community’s feedback as we seek grant funding and work with towns and landowners.
Stay tuned for updates as we begin to connect the Mad River Path from Warren to Middlesex!
