What seems like years ago now, because it was! In 2018, the Town of Burke and Kingdom Trail Association came together to undertake a collaborative project to rehabilitate our community’s East Darling Hill Rd. The Town of Burke was unable to pursue this construction on their own as the road was designated Class 2 and not eligible for state funds. Kingdom Trails agreed to join forces to seek a Northern Border Regional Commission federal grant as we believed this endeavor would provide the needed infrastructure to restore a main thoroughfare for our community, safely connecting East Burke, West Burke, Burke Hollow, and Lyndonville.
The project consisted of the reconstruction of East Darling Hill Rd including new subbase, eco friendly drainage and asphalt, plus a 5ft bike lane for uphill cyclists. Additionally, two parcels of land adjacent to the road were purchased by Kingdom Trails. This acquisition secured a critical trail connection for KT, ensuring that trail users will have an off-road option instead of using East Darling Hill Rd for both uphill and downhill bike travel, avoiding a dangerous conflict between cycle and car, increasing safety of our community and visitors, drivers and riders. The intersection of East Darling Hill Road and Burke Hollow is now a three way stop due to the realignment of the roads creating safer traffic flow for all. The three way intersection will be crucial for the safety of future potential town projects such as a crosswalk and multi-use pathway.
Together, the Town of Burke and Kingdom Trails were thrilled to have been awarded a Northern Border Regional Commission federal grant for the completion of the project! There was no tax increase to local residents. Kingdom Trails also helped leverage donations through the Pave the Way campaign. Local businesses and 100+ individual donations from community members and KT trail users raised the remaining funds needed to complete the construction. We are grateful to all the generous donors, including Casella Waste Systems, Community National Bank, White’s Market, Passumpsic Savings Bank, and Union Bank. A special thank you to the Gallagher Family, previous owners of the adjacent land, for their patience and willingness to work with us through this project.
Abby Long, Kingdom Trails Executive Director
Mike Harris, Town of Burke Administrator
