SUMMIT TWP — The Butler- Freeport Community Trail is a step closer to completion.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on Tuesday approved the use of heavy equipment to do the next phase of work along the trail.

The section, which stretches from Bonniebrook Road to Loco Lane, will be graded with old drains cleaned and new drains installed.

Work is expected to begin within the week.

The remaining 3/4 mile of trail to Father Marinaro Park is on hold until the state Department of Environmental Protection resolves the arsenic problem in Butler.

In addition to completing the section of trail to Butler, work continues on developing a contiguous stretch from Pittsburgh to Erie.

The public may attend a meeting on the Pittsburgh to Erie Trail Alliances at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Freeport Fire Hall, 400 Market St., Freeport.