The money will be used to improve the current trail in Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus, as well as to extend it through Lynn to Nahant Beach (Please watch the above video to learn more about that project).
The Baker-Polito Administration announced on Feb. 2 the commitment of at least $1.5 million to fund designs for the full length of the Northern Strand Community Trail.
The scope includes design improvements for sections of the trail already open, as well as the long sought extension through Lynn. The funding will also be used to extend it in Everett through the Wynn Casino property where it will eventually connect to trails heading into Boston.
“The money being committed to create the Northern Strand Community Trail is money well spent,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “This ten mile corridor will be a pathway connecting neighborhoods, linking residents to business districts and, in general, improving the quality of life for people in several communities. The Baker-Polito Administration has appreciated the collaboration that is allowing this Trail project to advance and looks forward to the economic benefits and the lifestyle benefits the Trail will afford when completed.”
Governor Believes in Rail Trails
“Rail trails link communities and residents across the Commonwealth and provide numerous environmental, recreational, and transit benefits.” — Governor Charlie Baker
Foundation Money, Community Activists Helped Make This A Reality
The design project being launched is a cooperative effort involving funding and support from the Solomon Foundation and the Barr Foundation, and is a partnership between the Commonwealth’s Trails Team, the Foundations, the five communities, and Bike to the Sea. A public process to discuss the project and its design will begin in the coming months.
“We at the Solomon Foundation are proud to partner with the Barr Foundation and the Commonwealth in completing the Northern Strand Community Path. Soon tens of thousands of residents in five communities will have a new way to connect with each other and with the natural beauty of their marshes, rivers and beaches,” said Herb Nolan, Solomon Foundation Deputy Director.
Trail Work Began 25 Years Ago
“In 2018 Bike to the Sea is celebrating 25 years of promoting a vision of communities connected by a trail to the Sea,” said Clay Larsen, Project Manager for Bike to the Sea. “We are thrilled to work with the Baker administration and the Gateways Cities Program to make that vision a reality – creating new scenic open space for all to enjoy. The completion of the Northern Strand Community Trail will bring connectivity, economic development and safer, healthy active lifestyles to the communities of Lynn, Saugus, Revere, Malden and Everett.”
The portion of the Northern Strand Trail within the rail right of way will be designed by the team of Brown, Richardson, and Rowe, landscape architects, and Stantec engineers. A separate team hired by the City of Lynn and Solomon Foundation will design the on-road section of the route in Lynn. The teams will coordinate their efforts and produce a single unified design for project bidding and construction.
The full press release on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website can be seen here.
Learn more about efforts to pave the trail in Revere.
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