Tourtellotte Tunnel on Air Line Trail in Vernon Gets Lights

The Hop River State Park Trail has always been a quiet gem for walkers, runners, and cyclists in eastern Connecticut. Now, with a new tunnel lighting upgrade at Bolton Notch State Park, the greenway feels safer, more accessible, and honestly just more inviting for year-round use.

New Tunnel Lights Improve Safety on the Hop River State Park Trail

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) teamed up with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to finish a full lighting project inside the 400-foot tunnel at Bolton Notch State Park.

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Instead of just relying on daylight from the tunnel’s two ends, there’s now a lighting system running the whole length. That means better visibility for everyone—whether you’re out for a morning run from Manchester, a weekend bike ride from Vernon, or a family walk after work from Bolton or Coventry.

How the New Lighting System Works

The new fixtures work in sync with both daylight and official park hours. Lights adjust or shut off automatically to match natural light and help the park keep its natural character at night.

This approach supports two big priorities: making popular trails safer, and protecting the unique ecological and scenic qualities that make Bolton Notch State Park so special. Communities from Hartford to New Haven have been pushing for these changes for a while.

Part of the “Restore CT State Parks” Infrastructure Push

The tunnel lighting project is just one piece of the bigger Restore CT State Parks initiative. This statewide effort aims to upgrade outdoor recreation infrastructure for long-term public use.

From shoreline parks in New London to forested corridors in Columbia, the state keeps investing in trail surfaces, bridges, signage, and amenities. These upgrades support the growing number of residents and visitors getting outside.

Designed for Long-Term Enjoyment

By focusing on durable, energy-efficient systems and thoughtful design, the state hopes to cut down on maintenance while making trails more comfortable and safe. The new tunnel lights at Bolton Notch State Park could be a model for future upgrades.

Officials say projects like this help attract visitors from all over Connecticut and neighboring states. That’s good news for local businesses along the trail corridor.

A Scenic 20-Mile Greenway Through Eastern Connecticut

The Hop River State Park Trail follows a former railroad corridor for more than 20 miles. It links a string of communities and natural areas in eastern Connecticut, passing through:

Manchester

Vernon

Bolton

Coventry

Andover

Columbia

Along the way, the trail connects to scenic spots like the Belding Wildlife Management Area and Valley Falls Park in Vernon. There’s a mix of woods, open views, and historic features.

Historic Character Meets Modern Use

The Hop River corridor draws visitors from cities like Stamford and Bridgeport because it blends history and natural beauty. Trail users pass by:

Distinctive stone retaining walls

Railroad embankments and cuts

Remnants of historic rail infrastructure

Quiet stretches of forested trail and river views

These features give the trail its own personality. It stands apart from more urban greenways but still offers a smooth, accessible path for non-motorized recreation.

A Vital Outdoor Refuge During and After the Pandemic

During the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, the Hop River State Park Trail was a crucial outdoor refuge for people who needed fresh air, exercise, or just a break from being indoors. That surge in use hasn’t really faded, either.

The Connecticut Trail Census counted over 86,700 users through the Bolton Notch tunnel section in 2024 alone. That’s about 237 people a day. It really shows why targeted investments like lighting matter right now.

Part of the 3,000-Mile East Coast Greenway

The Hop River Trail is also a key link in the East Coast Greenway. This planned 3,000-mile walking and biking route connects 15 states and around 450 communities from Maine to Florida.

So, local improvements in places like Bolton and Andover matter regionally, too. They help build a continuous, safe corridor that might one day let a cyclist travel from New England to the Southeast, mostly on off-road paths.

What This Means for Trail Users in Connecticut

If you use the trail regularly from Manchester to Columbia, the newly lit tunnel changes things. Now, you can head out early in the morning or later in the afternoon, even when daylight’s short.

It feels safer, too, especially for families and folks who aren’t super experienced on a bike. Before, some people just skipped the dark passage altogether.

If you only visit once in a while, this project might tip the scales. The Hop River State Park Trail—and Bolton Notch State Park—probably deserve a spot on your list of must-ride or must-walk places in Connecticut’s growing greenway network.

Here is the source article for this story: Tunnel Along Major, Historic Connecticut Recreational Trail Gets Its Lights

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