NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A 2.5-mile portion of the Northampton bike path is scheduled to close on Monday for the $1.4 million resurfacing project. The Mass Central Rail Trail, first constructed in 1982, between Bridge Road and State Street is expected to be closed for at least 30 days for resurfacing work including curbing, sidewalks, signage, pavement markings, tree trimming, and surface repairs.  New arcade coming to Thornes Marketplace in Northampton Northampton bikeway closure detour The community is being asked to avoid using the trail during construction and detour signs will be in place. (City of Northampton) "We are glad to begin the long-awaited reconstruction of the Northampton Bike Path between Bridge Road and State Street”, shared Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra. “After so many years of use of the Bikeway, it's exciting to see this critical improvement project move forward, thanks in large part to the $500,000 awarded to us through the MassTrails Grant program.” The Mayor continued, “While it is never convenient to temporarily close an artery of transportation and recreation, I urge residents to avoid this area for safety reasons and to let our contractors complete their work without interruption so that we can reopen the trail as soon as possible.” The project cost is estimated at $1.4 million with $500,000 awarded from the MassTrails Grant program. Local News Headlines Body found near Whitney Field in Westfield Dryer causes fire on Easthampton Road in Holyoke Brush fire burns 25 to 40 acres of land in Connecticut What you need to know about Massachusetts ballot question 5 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.