LYNN — Bike riders who have been pining for a continuous trail through the city down to the beach can look forward to having that dream realized beginning in the spring.
That’s when construction on the remaining sections of the Northern Strand Community Trail will begin, according to Mayor Thomas M. McGee.
When the project, which has been a vision of the group “Bike to the Sea” since 1993, is completed it will run 11¾ miles through Everett, Malden, Revere and Saugus as well as Lynn, where it will run on the rail bed of the former Saugus railroad.
The path will also connect to the beaches in Revere, Lynn and Nahant.
The trail will run along the railroad bed in West Lynn until it hits Western Avenue after Spencer Street (near Market Basket), where it will turn into an on-street route with dedicated bike lanes that will continue toward the beaches.
“I am excited to see that we are one step closer towards the expansion of the Northern Strand Community Path through Lynn becoming a reality,” said Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee. “The realization of this project has been a collaborative effort throughout the years between state and local officials, community groups and residents. I I look forward to the day in the very near future when our residents can enjoy this family-friendly recreational path.”
Through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ Gateway City Parks program, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested more than $15 million to design, permit, and construct the Northern Strand.
“The Baker-Polito Administration has made expanding access to the Commonwealth’s outdoor resources a priority, and the Northern Strand is a terrific example of that work in action,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Trails connect communities, offer recreational and transit opportunities while providing significant environmental benefits, and we are proud to support this project, which will provide greater mobility and access to Massachusetts’ great outdoors for residents in these Gateway Cities.”
State transportation secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack said the completed trail “will encourage more walking and bicycling for people trying to reach retail areas, schools and other locations.”
The contract is being administered by the City of Revere on behalf of all five communities, McGee’s office said. Project updates and projected work schedules will be shared with the public via the City of Revere website and social media outreach.
The $13.7 million construction contract has been awarded to R. Zoppo Corporation through a public bidding process. Construction operations have already begun with field work, and full construction activities will commence in early spring.
In addition the contractors will make additional improvements to existing sections.
“This is great news for Lynn. The Northern Strand Community Path is a great example of what can be achieved when all stakeholders work together to turn vision into reality,” said State Representative Peter Capano (D-Lynn).
Sen. Brendan Crighton said the project will benefit the entire North Shore.
“While much focus has been put on the significant development taking place in the area, it is important to highlight the access to open space and the transformation of this trail,” he said.
The bulk of the trail will run through Wards 6 and 7 before continuing down to the beach.
“This is an exciting time for Lynn and the Ward 6 West Lynn, part of the Community Path,” said Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan. “I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to make this become a reality.”
“I look forward to the construction of the Northern Strand Community Trail beginning this Spring,” said Ward 7 Councilor Jay Wash. “It is impressive what can be accomplished when we get together and work towards a common goal. This recreational path will be a positive addition to the neighborhoods of Ward 7 and the greater community of Lynn. Thank you to all those involved for helping to make it a reality.”
State Rep. Dan Cahill said the trail is a good example of what strong collaboration among state, local, and community leaders can accomplish.
“The completion of the Northern Strand will bring many benefits to residents North of Boston including access to open space, transit, and recreation,” he said.
