Work Starts On Remainder Of 11.5-Mile Northern Strand Trail

MALDEN, MA — Construction has started on the remaining sections of the Northern Strand community trail, officials announced last week. The finished project will result in a transportation and recreation corridor of about 11.5 miles from the Mystic River to the Lynn shoreline, connecting Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn.

Through the Gateway City Parks program, the state 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," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides said in a statement. "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."

The $13.7 million construction contract was awarded to R. Zoppo Corporation through a public bidding process. Field work has already begun, and construction will start in early spring. In addition to finishing remaining sections of the trail, R. Zoppo Corp will make additional improvements to existing sections. Construction will be observed in the field by Stantec, with construction administration services being provided by Brown Richardson + Rowe.

Construction crews, fencing, and signage along the trail corridor will be visible during the construction process, which may limit access at times. Temporary trail closures are possible in order to accommodate the logistics of various work activities. Construction plans will prioritize public safety during heavy construction while balancing opportunities to maintain public access to portions of the trail where possible. The contract is being administered by the city of Revere on behalf of all five communities. Project updates and projected work schedules will be shared with the public via the city of Revere website and social media outreach.

"Malden greatly appreciates the work and investment being made by the governor's Gateway City Parks team that will double the paved length of the Northern Strand Trail and fully realize the vision of the five communities and the Commonwealth to connect our neighborhoods to our waterfronts, schools, parks and businesses and beyond via a bike and pedestrian trail," Malden Mayor Gary Christenson said in a statement.