Haggetts Pond Trail Project Begins In Andover

Press release from Town of Andover

ANDOVER, MA — The Town of Andover will temporarily close a portion of the Haggetts Pond Rail Trail beginning Thursday, May 22, to allow crews to begin preparing for the construction on a new paved, shared-use path designed to make the trail more accessible and welcoming to all residents and users. The closure will extend from the trailhead on Haggetts Pond Road to the new lookout point, encompassing approximately 0.6 miles of trail. The parking lot on Haggetts Pond Road will also be closed during this phase of construction. While construction is underway, the trail will remain accessible from High Plain Road up to the point where work is being performed. However, no trespassing will be permitted in the closed area until construction is complete. Signage will be posted at key locations to inform users of the closure and detour options.

This phase of the Haggetts Pond Rail Trail project will include the following improvements:

• Paving of an approximately 0.6-mile section of trail to create an ADA-compliant, shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Construction of an improved parking area at the Haggetts Pond Road access point to enhance accessibility and capacity.
• Installation of a new wood boardwalk and scenic lookout area near Haggetts Pond to provide users with a new destination and rest point.
• Addition of trail amenities such as benches and upgraded signage

Construction of the project will be carried out by J. Bates & Son on behalf of the Town of Andover. The project is expected to continue through the summer. Updates will be provided to the public as work progresses.

About the Project

The Haggetts Pond Rail Trail project was approved by the Andover Conservation Commission in October 2024 and is funded in part through a MassTrails grant awarded to the Town of Andover. The goal of the project is to enhance access to the Haggetts Pond area through the development of a more accessible, multi-use pathway.

The intent of the project is to upgrade the existing trail to provide a more accessible, multi-use facility that will improve the experience for trail users of all ages and abilities. This will be accomplished by paving the existing trail surface, while maintaining the scenic and natural character of the surrounding area.

When completed, the upgraded trail segment will offer a safer, more inclusive experience for all trail users, including those with mobility challenges, while retaining the natural beauty and ecological value of the Haggetts Pond area.

More information about the Haggetts Pond Rail Trail project is available at: andoverma.gov/haggettspondrailtrail

This press release was produced by the Town of Andover. The views expressed here are the author’s own.