Somerville Breaking Ground On Waterfront Project

SOMERVILLE, MA — A greener and more connected stretch of Somerville's waterfront is set to take shape this summer with the construction of the Shore Drive Greenway.

Community members are invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the project on Friday, June 12, at 11 a.m. at Blessing of the Bay Park, located at 32 Shore Drive. The project will create a 12-foot-wide shared-use path through the park, improving access to the Mystic River while connecting residents to nearby jobs, public transit and community resources.

The greenway is designed with climate resilience in mind. Plans call for 85 new trees and more than 1,500 square feet of native plantings throughout the corridor. Underground green stormwater infrastructure will help reduce urban heat, improve air quality, capture carbon and lessen traffic noise for both commuters and recreational users.

According to the City of Somerville, the project will transform the existing streetscape along Shore Drive by creating a safer and more inviting route for pedestrians and cyclists. The greenway will also strengthen connections along the Mystic River corridor, an area that has seen significant investment in recreation and environmental restoration in recent years.

Construction is scheduled to begin in June following the groundbreaking ceremony. Funding for the project comes from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, MassTrails, the Somerville Community Preservation Act and the Solomon Foundation.

Residents interested in following the project's progress can find updates through the city's Shore Drive Greenway engagement page. City officials hope the project will enhance both transportation and recreational opportunities while bringing additional environmental benefits to one of Somerville's most visible waterfront areas.

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