By Beth David, Editor
The project started years ago, no one is exactly sure how many but at least more than four, because that’s when Fairhaven Highway Superintendent, Josh Crabb, came on, and the project had already started. The project was to resurface the Phoenix Rail Trail, formerly the Phoenix Bike Trail. Mr. Crabb thought they should go all out and do more than a quick overcoat.
It took a while to get funding, COVID interfered, but eventually it all fell into place. And this summer, ending just a couple of weeks ago, the project happened. The path was completely overhauled, replacing all pavement, side work, and more. Improvements included more safety measures where the path crosses roads, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance at corners.
On Saturday, 10/17/26, the town held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the upgrade.
Craig Della Penna, an organizer with Rails to Trails, was at the original ribbon cutting in 1999, and again on Saturday. He said it was one of the first projects to use federal money.
Several town officials spoke, each giving credit and thanks to man departments and volunteers, including the Green Lanterns garden group which raised funds for the new signs and landscaped around them.
Cathy Melanson, chair of the Economic Development Committee, said the bike path brings people to Fairhaven, and hopefully to enjoy the small shops and restaurants.
Vinnie Furtado, Superintendent of Public Works, thanked the people and town officials and boards, who over the years, supported the project.
He said he was “deeply grateful” to the Community Preservation Committee which contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the $1.5 million project.
Mr. Crabb thanked the community for patience while the project went on through the summer.
He said it was a “true labor of love.”
He also thanked the contractor, Payo Corp., for their diligence.
Select Board Chair, Andrew Romano, said the bike path offered an opportunity for people to slow down and look a all the beauty the area has to offer.
State Rep. Mark Sylvia presented a citation to the Board of Public Works. He said as a resident, a Blue Devil, and a representative, he had a sense of pride.
He also recognized that the sign at the corner of Main and South Streets was donated by Geoffrey Sullivan in honor of his late wife, Susan. The sign at Shaw Road is dedicated to Marin Stackpole.
After the ceremony, BPW member, Marcus Ferro, said he wanted to make sure that BPW workers were recognized for their work.
“This is an investment in public infrastructure,” said Mr. Ferro, stressing it was not a third party doing all the work. “It’s public employees doing public works for the good of the town.”
Robert “Hoppy” Hobson, Vice Chair of the BPW, said he was proud of the BPW for getting it done.
He pointed out that the Little Bay Extension leads to a pier where people can sit by the water or fish.
Ms. Sullivan said he was trying to find a way to honor his wife, and thought about getting a bench. But when he learned the Green Lanterns were looking for donations for the signs, he decided that was better.
The Phoenix Rail Trail begins at the corner of Main and South Streets, and travels east all the way to Mattapoisett. It allows for bicycle or pedestrian traffic to go the whole 3.5 miles to the Mattapoisett line, and another mile in Mattapoisett, without having to share the road with cars, although it does cross streets along the way. There is a spur called the Little Bay Extension that veers off into the Little Bay Conservation area.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/5av3wyzw or https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/phoenix-rail-trail
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- Fairhaven Highway Superintendent, Josh Crabb, and Public Works Superintendent, Vinnie Furtado (L-R holding scissors), are flanked by town officials and volunteers as they cut the ribbon at a ceremony commemorating the complete renovation of the Phoenix Rail Trail, formerly the Phoenix Bike Trail, on 10/17/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- Craig Della Penna, who was on hand for the original bike path opening in 1999, says a few words at the ribbon cutting commemorating the complete renovation of the Phoenix Rail Trail, formerly the Phoenix Bike Trail, on 10/17/26. Photo by Beth David.
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- State Representative Mark Sylvia presents a citation and speaks at the ribbon cutting commemorating the complete renovation of the Phoenix Rail Trail, formerly the Phoenix Bike Trail, on 10/17/26. Photo by Beth David.
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