Proctor manager briefs Rutland Selectboard on tri‑town bike path route, urges input on safety and easements

Judy Fraser, town manager of Proctor, told the Rutland Selectboard that a proposed tri-town bicycle path linking West Rutland, Proctor and Pittsford includes a segment that would pass through Rutland Town and the board should expect future outreach and opportunities for comment.

Fraser said the planning team led by Stantec and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission developed several route options and now favors an off-road option where feasible. In Rutland Town the preferred alignment would use existing rail-trail corridors until it reaches the area near the home of an Esther Capen, then move onto West Proctor Road for a short stretch into Center Rutland and onward to West Rutland.

Fraser said the team is meeting landowners about easements and expects to finalize design decisions over the summer before returning to the three towns for approval and funding discussions. She asked the selectboard to consider traffic and safety measures along the road segment, noting the road is narrow, has no shoulders in places and has high-speed vehicle traffic that could raise safety concerns if a path directs more cyclists onto the roadway.

Recreation Director Mike Rose offered to stay engaged and review designs. Board members suggested informational signs and centerline or lane treatments to slow traffic in short roadway sections if the trail directs cyclists onto the road.

Fraser said if the off‑road option requires landowner easements the project will pursue those or consider alternate alignments such as a route over West Rock Mountain; funding will be pursued after the towns agree on final designs.

The regional planning commission map and supporting materials were included in the selectboard packet; Fraser said an online map provides a clearer route depiction than the paper packet.