Completing the Air Line Trail Gap In East Hampton

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While Portland was working on its phase 1 section of the Air Line Trail, completed in 2017, East Hampton was planning to extend its part of its section of the trail westward to connect with the Portland segment. East Hampton completed that extension in 2018, except for a 1500 foot gap that could not be constructed due to the presence of wetlands—actually a stream runs through a narrow gorge. Also, Eversource utility poles occupy that same gorge. A decision was made to construct a boardwalk trail over the wetland, but that plan required the utility poles to be moved first.

After several years of off and on discussions between the Town of East Hampton, DEEP (The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection), and Eversource, a plan to move the poles has been achieved. Eversource will relocate the poles and transmission line onto town property at East Hampton’s Water Pollution Control Authority. We hope that that work can be completed by the end of the summer of 2021. Once the poles are moved, East Hampton can apply for funds to build a boardwalk trail through the gorge.

In the meantime, phase 2 of Portland’s Air Line Trail has been designed and awaits a funding opportunity for construction.

The Jonah Center will  continue to keep the public informed as new developments emerge.