Crews are set to begin clearing brush alongside the Calais Branch Rail Line north of downtown Ellsworth as construction begins on the initial phase of creating a 10?-wide, paved bicycle/pedestrian trail that will connect Ellsworth High School with area neighborhoods.
The bicycle/pedestrian trail will follow alongside the track from the intersection of Route 179 and Route 1A to Birch Avenue in Ellsworth. The Ellsworth High School is located near the middle of this 1.3 mile section of trail.
Crews are set to begin clearing the path for the paved trail later this week. Once the ground thaws out, crews will begin the excavation associated with constructing the trail. Construction is expected to be completed by August 23, 2011.
R. F. Jordan & Sons Construction is the contractor for the $953,000 project.