Swift’s Crossing on the Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail – Pedestrian Bridge
Location: Coonamessett River, Lower and Middle Bog Areas
Applicant: Conservation Commission and The 300 Committee Land Trust
Allocation: $260,270
Year/Article: November 2018, A30
This phase of the Coonamessett River Restoration, in collaboration with The 300 Committee, focuses on removing the lower dam and in its place constructing a 305-foot pedestrian bridge and wetland walkway at Swift’s Crossing, Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail and Gateway Park. Along with the previous Dexter’s Mill Crossing, a continuous lower loop trail will exist around the Lower Bog, enabling visitors close access to and passage through wetland plant communities, as well as passing over the Coonamessett River itself. The walkways and completed loop will set the stage for a prolonged exploration of the Coonamessett Greenway Heritage Trail on other trips to the river. The lower loop will also be used for school field trips to the area, as well as providing access for herring counting and tagging, and plant monitoring, two essential components of the entire restoration project.