The Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail will finally link to the Northwest Branch Trail by the fall of 2023.

The Maryland State Highway Administration expects to choose a contractor in late April to begin work on a segment of the trail in Hyattsville leading from Franklins brewery to Melrose Skate Park.

Based on a planned 18-month construction schedule, that would put the trail segment being completed by October of next year.

“We are very excited for this important trail connection between the Anacostia Tributary Trail System and the Rhode Island Trolley Trail to come to fruition,” Hyattsville city planner Taylor Robey told the Hyattsville Wire.

The segment is crucial because it would connect the 3.8-mile trail on the former streetcar path to the seven-mile trail along the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River that winds through West Hyattsville to Langley Park, just south of Interstate 495.

Bicyclists trying to make that connection now have to cross the heavily trafficked Baltimore Avenue and along a narrow shoulder, discouraging casual cyclists and families with younger children.

The extension will continue along the northbound side of Route 1 to Charles Armentrout Drive, where the intersection will be remade to be more pedestrian- and biker-friendly. You can see a map here of the proposed plan.

Support the Wire and Community Journalism
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.