The proposed Cattaraugus to Salamanca Rail-Trail is slated to end at the northern Salamanca City line. Salamanca is a logical place for a trailhead since it connects to a large-scale regional network of trails. The importance of this role as the nexus of the County’s trail system was also emphasized by the ‘Hubs and Connections’ study prepared by SUNY Buffalo. The Center Street Bridge, which traverses the Allegany River, is due for renovation by the NYS Department of Transportation. It is proposed that the new bridge be equipped with a separate, dual-purpose land, designed specifically for the use by snowmobilers, equestrian riders, bicyclists and pedestrians. This lane would be extremely beneficial in terms of avoiding potentially troublesome lane sharing and also retaining and cementing Salamanca’s position as a main County trailhead. 

Policy Issues:

This project will require cooperation between the City and the Seneca Nation as well as the NYSDOT. The Trail Head will be only partially effective if there are no direct trail connections between the Rail-Trail and Allegany State Park. A trail for snowmobiles must be identified in an effort to by-pass the main city streets and residential areas. A carefully planned strategy to connect the trail to the State Park is necessary which will include specific improvements such as; re-striping of roadways, constructing designated multi-use lanes, appropriate signage, trail user education, and the replacement of drain grates and manhole covers with bicycle and pedestrian friendly grates and covers.