SAUGUS — Construction has officially begun along Saugus’ section of the Northern Strand Community Trail. Part of a nearly $14 million project funded by the state, the updates are an effort to improve safety along the trail’s pathway while connecting neighboring cities and towns.
“We are excited to progress into the construction phase of this project, bringing us one step closer to providing residents and visitors with a safer, more secure trail to use and enjoy,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree in a statement released Thursday.
Major components of the project include safer crossings, wayfinding information systems, and various landscape amenities. When completed, the trail will provide a continuous 10.5-mile pathway through Saugus, Everett, Lynn, Malden, and Revere.
Saugus hosted two public meetings about the trail’s design, during which residents and officials were given opportunities to learn about the project, ask questions, and share ideas. Crabtree said feedback from the community was considered in the state’s final overall plan.
“We are proud to move forward with the state’s design that incorporated feedback from Saugus residents through well-attended public informational meetings over the past couple of years,” he said.
Funding for the trail was awarded through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Gateway City Parks Program and enabled the design of the trail, development of bid-ready construction documents, and receipts of all necessary construction permits.
Work will be overseen and observed by construction management and resident engineering team Stantec, and construction administration services will be provided by Brown, Richardson + Rowe. Both firms were hired by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to design and permit the trail throughout the five communities.
“I would like to thank Gov. Baker, Lieutenant Gov. Polito, and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their support of this important and regional initiative,” Crabtree said. “I would also like to commend the Cities of Revere, Malden, Lynn, and Everett, as well … for their dedication in turning this multi-community effort into a reality.
“In addition, I would like to thank all the Town’s volunteers and officials who contributed their ideas and suggestions, which strengthened the community vision for this important recreational staple.”
Crabtree noted that access to the trail may be limited at times during construction.
In a February statement that announced preliminary construction on the trail had begun, Energy and Environmental Affairs secretary Kathleen Theoharides said the Baker-Polito Administration had made it a priority to expand access to the Commonwealth’s outdoor resources.
“The Northern Strand is a terrific example of that work in action,” she said. “Trails connect communities, (as well as) offer recreational and transit opportunities while providing significant environmental benefits. We are proud to support this project, which will provide greater mobility and access to Massachusetts’ great outdoors for residents in these Gateway Cities.”
