Construction has started on a project to give residents of a western Massachusetts town access to the Chicopee River for the first time in a century.
A 1.5 mile long riverwalk is being built as part of the redevelopment of the Ludlow Mills, the largest mill redevelopment project in New England.
The walk will loop behind the sprawling complex of dozens of mill buildings opening up the area along the Chicopee River to neighborhood residents and businesses.
The project is privately funded, but the town will take possession of the riverwalk, and maintain it, according to Carmina Fernandes, Chair of the Ludlow Board of Selectmen.
"It adds to the quality of life in town and makes the town a better place," she said.
The riverwalk is expected to open in August.
