LYNN — When work begins this week on the replacement of deteriorated railing along Lynn Shore Drive, it will mark the culmination of a five-year push from a local group dedicated to the area’s preservation.
In their announcement last Friday, the Baker-Polito administration said the $423,000 project is part of continued infrastructure improvements within the state’s park system.
This week, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will begin to replace 2,200 feet of decayed railing that is located on top of the seawall along Lynn Shore Drive.
Replacement of parts of the current railing, which was installed in 1994, is expected to be completed sometime this fall, according to the DCR. The agency did not provide an exact start date for construction, but a drive-by of the area revealed no ongoing work Monday.
It’s a project that the Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach, a local nonprofit dedicated to the preservation of the Lynn Shore and Nahant Beach Reservations, have long been advocating for, according to the group’s president Robert Tucker.
“We made this a priority five years ago,” said Tucker. “We’ve been lobbying the DCR continually for the past five years to replace some sections of the handrail that are damaged, have holes in them and that are unsafe.”
Last year, Tucker said he attended a walkthrough of the area with state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) and DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery, which was aimed at highlighting the damage to the infrastructure.
For example, he said the DCR had put duct tape over some sections of the railing that had holes in it. In certain areas, the railing was getting constantly battered by high tides and storms, which resulted in it becoming “completely rusted,” a predicament that extended to the cement seawall as well, he said.
“It was not only a public safety hazard,” said Tucker. “They just completely looked horrible.”
To boost their effort, the Friends of Lynn & Nahant Beach enlisted help from the Lynn legislative delegation, who joined their advocacy for their railing replacement, Tucker said.
“Lynn Shore Reservation is a precious resource that is enjoyed year-round by residents from the North Shore and beyond,” said Crighton. “We must do all that we can to maintain its beauty. I would like to thank the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach for their years of tireless advocacy for this project and the DCR for making it a priority.”
According to the DCR, the existing railings were installed in 1994 and need to be replaced following years of wear and tear. Due to the close proximity to the ocean, the railings are subjected to saltwater during high tides that occur twice a day, a constant ocean mist, and additional major storm events.
The majority of the rail replacement will be conducted in areas where tidal waters impact the structure the most. A DCR spokesperson said the railing is being replaced along Lynn Shore Drive from Wave Street to Wallace Street northbound.
The new railings, which will occupy the same footprint as the existing railings, will be placed on top of the seawall. The railings will be 18 inches tall and 4 inches in diameter, and will be painted the color federal green. The replacement work will be scheduled around high tides and other tidal conditions, according to the DCR.
“Each year, thousands of people take advantage of historic Lynn Shore Drive’s picturesque views and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean coastline,” said Montgomery. “This railing project is an excellent example of the Baker-Polito administration’s commitment to state park improvements across the Commonwealth.”
Mayor Thomas M. McGee called the project “great news,” explaining that, “Lynn Shore Drive is a major attraction in the city of Lynn for residents and visitors alike to walk, run, bike, or engage in other recreational activities. These improvements will enhance their experience along our oceanfront.”
In separate statements, State Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn) and state Rep. Donald Wong (R-Saugus) both thanked the Baker-Polito administration for moving the project forward.
“Every year, residents of the North Shore flock to Lynn Shore Drive to take advantage of its amazing views and accessible walkway,” said state Rep. Daniel Cahill (D-Lynn). “These improvements combined with the hard work by the Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach will maintain the safety and beauty of our coastline.”
While Tucker said he was grateful for the investment into the project, he is hopeful that more funding will be allocated in the future to replace the entire railing with something that is more durable for that type of beach environment.
“We’ve gone through a couple of commissioners on this issue,” said Tucker. “I realize funding is very difficult. DCR always gets cuts in funding. We are appreciative that at least some sections of it are getting done. Maybe in the next couple of years, other sections will get done.”
