CTDOT Completes Tunnel Lighting on Hop River State Park Trail

The state’s shining a new light—literally—on one of eastern Connecticut’s most popular multi-use trails. A joint project by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has brought modern, safety-focused tunnel lighting to the Hop River State Park Trail at Bolton Notch.

This upgrade transforms what was once a dim, tricky passage into a brighter, more welcoming route for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

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Hop River State Park Trail Tunnel Gets Safety-Focused Upgrade

The tunnel along the Hop River State Park Trail, near the entrance to Bolton Notch State Park in Bolton, has long been a key link for trail users traveling between communities in eastern Connecticut. Its curved shape and natural rock walls made for a scenic stretch—but also one where visibility dropped sharply, especially on cloudy days or at dusk.

To address those concerns, DEEP and CTDOT teamed up to install a new lighting system. They wanted to tackle the safety issue while still respecting the wild, rugged setting that trail users from Manchester, Vernon, and beyond have come to love.

How the New Tunnel Lighting System Works

The new system doesn’t just blast the tunnel with harsh, constant light. Instead, the fixtures adjust to available daylight and standard park hours.

This approach gives visitors enough illumination to clearly see the tunnel surface, other users, and any obstacles. At the same time, it preserves the tunnel’s unique, rock-lined character.

Trail enthusiasts from Hartford, New Britain, and other nearby cities will notice the tunnel now feels safer, but it hasn’t lost its natural charm.

Part of Governor Lamont’s Restore CT State Parks Initiative

The lighting upgrade fits into a broader push to modernize and protect Connecticut’s outdoor assets. Under Governor Ned Lamont’s Restore CT State Parks program, the state is targeting infrastructure that needs attention—everything from trails and bridges to signage and facilities.

For trail users from places like East Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford, that means safer, more accessible experiences in state parks and on multi-use greenways connecting towns and cities across the region.

Balancing User Safety with Environmental Preservation

DEEP and CTDOT say this project’s about more than just putting lights in a tunnel. They aimed to balance improving public safety with protecting the ecological and visual integrity of the park’s landscape.

The tunnel passes through a corridor of natural rock and runs near existing watercourses. That setting required a design that minimized disruption: fixtures positioned to reduce glare, technology tuned to match daylight patterns, and operations limited to park hours.

It’s a philosophy you’ll see in projects from Norwalk to Bridgeport—make improvements that serve people while staying sensitive to the land.

Why This Tunnel Project Matters for Trail Users

Before the lighting went in, the tunnel was a known trouble spot, especially for cyclists and runners entering quickly from bright daylight. The sudden transition into darkness, combined with the tunnel’s curve, created a hazardous blind zone.

By improving visibility, the lighting helps cut down risks like collisions, falls, and missteps—especially for families with kids, older adults, and anyone unfamiliar with the trail. For regular users traveling between Bolton, Coventry, and nearby communities, the tunnel should now feel like a safe, predictable part of their route.

Benefits for Walkers, Runners, and Cyclists

The lighting upgrade really changes the tunnel experience for everyone:

Walkers now have a clearer view of the tunnel surface, so it’s easier to avoid tripping on uneven footing.

Runners can keep their pace instead of slowing down to adjust to sudden darkness.

Cyclists get more reaction time to see others, handle the tunnel’s curve, and avoid obstacles.

For all users, the smoother transition between bright trail sections and the tunnel interior helps reduce eye strain and surprise. What used to be a “hold your breath and hope” segment is now a seamless part of the journey.

A Milestone in Ongoing Improvements to Connecticut State Parks

DEEP and CTDOT see the Hop River tunnel lighting as a significant milestone in the effort to invest in public recreation spaces. While the work at Bolton Notch focuses on one tunnel, it signals a broader commitment to bringing state park infrastructure up to modern standards without losing what makes these places special.

As Connecticut keeps refining and extending its trail networks—from urban paths in Hartford County to shoreline routes in New Haven and Fairfield Counties—projects like this one set the tone. Safety, accessibility, and environmental respect really can coexist, and that benefits residents from every corner of the state.

What Trail Visitors Can Expect Going Forward

If you’re planning a trip to the Hop River State Park Trail, you’ll find a brighter, safer path through the Bolton Notch tunnel. The new lighting won’t distract you—it’s subtle, and honestly, you’ll probably forget it’s even there after your first visit.

It just works, no matter the season. Walkers from Manchester, cyclists from Vernon, runners from Hartford—everyone gets a better experience now.

Here is the source article for this story: Project that provided lighting for tunnel on popular CT state park trail completed

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