Design Unveiled For $23M Footbridge Connecting Somerville, Wynn

SOMERVILLE, MA – Massachusetts officials last week unveiled a preliminary design for a footbridge connecting Assembly Row in Somerville to Wynn Boston Harbor in Everett. The bridge, which could be the largest pedestrian walkway in the state at 780 feet, would cost around $23 million.

A separate $10 million project would also be necessary to build a walkway over the train tracks to the Assembly Row T stop, bringing the total price tag to over $30 million, according to the Boston Globe. The initial proposal in 2009 was tabled for being "too expensive" at $8 million.

It is not yet clear how the project would be funded, but the Department of Conservation and Recreation has said it is seeking "multiple funding sources," according to the Associated Press. Wynn has contributed $250,000 for project planning, and a representative told the AP the casino would be willing to shell out more for construction.

Transportation officials told the Boston Globe it is too early for the MBTA and MassDOT to commit to funding the bridge, and the DCR has said it will not move forward on the project without a clear backer.

Photo Credit: Wynn Boston Harbor