The missing link in the Northern Strand Trail is expected to open next spring.
The Revere segment of the trail, which will connect four miles of paved trail in Malden and Everett with 2.5 miles of trail in Saugus, is under construction. Once that is complete, all that will remain in Bike to the Sea’s goal of creating a trail to the beaches in Revere, Lynn and Nahant will be extending the trail from Saugus through Lynn. The city of Lynn has not yet approved those plans.
The city of Malden recently helped connect the end of the Malden portion of the trail to the beginning of the Revere section by creating a paved path through Linden Square.
The one-mile stretch of trail in Revere runs along the edge of the Rumney Marsh and features scenic vistas of the natural landscape. Heavy equipment is being used to build out the trail there which remains very muddy. Bike to the Sea recommends avoiding the area until it opens in the spring.
Work to improve the trail at the intersection of Salem Street is being done by the city of Revere and Bike to the Sea. Funding from DCR Recreational Trails Grant B2C helped remove old train tracks and install new curbing there to make the area safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. Plans to add fencing and a map kiosk will help transform the intersection from an industrial site into a small greenway.
This year Iron Horse Preservation Society worked in Revere removing railroad ties from the old rail bed. The trail will be graded, then topped with a layer of recycled asphalt, followed by a smooth layer of stone dust. There are no immediate plans to pave this section or the section of the trail in Saugus.