-advocating for the Lynnfield-Wakefield Rail Trail project.
Lynnfield Rail Trail
July 23, 2024 Update: (click town link below for more information)
On July 15, 2024, Stantec Consultants, Inc., submitted 75% Phase 1 engineering documents to MassDOT. This comprehensive submittal includes 75% rail trail design drawings, right-of-way plans, encroachment plans, construction specifications, an updated construction cost estimate and an updated project schedule among several other technical documents. Stantec’s July 23, 2024 update presentation is linked here and the 75% design drawings are linked here.
Submission of the 75% documents to MassDOT accomplishes a significant milestone in the Town’s efforts to acquire MassDOT TIP funding for Phase 1 in fiscal year 2026. MassDOT has a 90-day review period after which comments will be resolved and the design team will proceed to 100% engineering documents. If forthcoming, MassDOT’s FY 2026 TIP funding will support a Phase 1 construction contract award in February 2026.
In parallel with the progress on Phase 1, Stantec is advancing an Alternative Boardwalk Design for Phase 2 that will reduce the length of boardwalk construction over Reedy Meadow. It is anticipated that the alternative design will significantly reduce the cost of constructing Phase 2 in response to financial concerns that were expressed by MassDOT in March 2024.
https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
4/12/24 --project update, click link below and scroll down for the feb- april updates.
Link to Town site- Lynnfield Rail Trail Project Updates- by the Town staff and Stantec ( Design Consultant).
2024:
- 2/7/24
- 3/7/24
- 4/12/24
https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
March 21, 2025 Update:
(Press Release: Rail Trail Receives FY26 Funding Recommendation)
The Town of Lynnfield is excited to announce that the Boston Area Metropolitan Planning Office (MPO) staff is recommending that, based on the advances in design and various project development requirements, Phase 1 of its long-awaited rail trail project be advanced, and that funding for construction be provided in FY2026. If the MPO Board votes to accept this recommendation, construction of the rail trail can begin in 2026.
The Town is currently finalizing the design and permitting steps necessary to comply with MassDOT’s funding requirements. These details are reflected in the three warrant articles that the Select Board approved on March 10 to present at Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 29. The project team is also seeking permitting approval from the Conservation Commission. That public process started on its March 19 meeting, and discussion has been continued to its April 15 meeting. We encourage all to remain involved.
The Town acknowledges there have been questions regarding the screening for potentially impacted rail trail abutters. Unfortunately, MassDOT has informed the project team that its construction funding will no longer cover screening for abutting properties, contrary to the Town’s initial understanding and MassDOT’s representation. The project team will continue to work through this change in MassDOT policy as it approaches bidding. Despite this policy change, the Town of Lynnfield has allocated limited funds to address reasonable abutter concerns. These funds, however, may not be sufficient to meet all expectations. The Town will prioritize the allocation of available funds based on key factors such as safety and security. Rail trail abutters with legitimate safety and security concerns are encouraged to contact Town Engineer John Tomasz (jtomasz@town.lynnfield.ma.us) or (781) 334-9500 for a discussion and site visit if applicable.
March 13,2023
Lynnfield Town Engineer Lisa DeMeo is pleased to announce the creation of the RAIL TRAIL webpage, designed to provide an ongoing current status of the Rail Trail project. Please visit https://www.town.lynnfield.ma.us/conserv.../pages/rail-trail to see all the updated elements of the work, including BACKGROUND, FAQs, REPORTS, PLANS AND IMPORTANT LINKS.
https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
Fall 2022 update
Lynnfield Town officials provide key update on the Wakefield- Lynnfield Rail Trail project.
Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail look forward to this project being expedited in a timely manner.
Thank you to the Lynnfield Staff, Select Board and retired engineering consultant Richard Kosian, a Lynnfield resident and member Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail Leadership Team, for your work in the decision to change engineering firms.
Town of Lynnfield 10/19/22
Full article at link:
https://localheadlinenews.com/new-engineering-firm-hired-for-rail-trail-project/
April 29, 2025 - Three Rail Trail articles approved at Town Meeting vote.
Thank you, Lynnfield residents for your support on the Rail Trail warrant articles at the April 29 town meeting!
The Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail also want to thank John Scenna, Lynnfield Capital Program Director, and the town’s Rail Trail team (John Tomasz, Emilie Cademartori, Rich Kosian and Stantec), along with Rob Dolan and Select Board for your work on this project over the last year. Further the Select Board, Finance Committee and Planning Board for unanimously endorsing the three warrant articles.
The project is advancing, and the bid for construction (Phase 1), is expected to be March of 2026.
Thank you to our Legislators Brendan Crighton and Brad Jones for your help in gaining funding for design and construction for phase 1.
Lastly, to the Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail who have remained focused on this project since our inception in 2017 and to the Recreational Path Committee for their work that dates back 25 years.
The Lynnfield Rail Trail will help create a safer and healthier community for all ages and abilities via an ADA compliant, off-road multi-use recreational path.
This Rail Trail, this Recreational Path, this Greenway will be a treasured asset in our community.
Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail Leadership
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spring 2022 update
Originally, construction was slated to begin in the Spring of 2022. The project has had significant design delays due to environmental permitting and design challenges, the project is now slated for a construction year of 2026.
Town of Lynnfield update 5/25/22 https://www.town.lynnfield.ma.us/home/news/lynnfield-wakefield-rail-trail-status-update
December 12, 2024 Update
- (click town link and scroll down for current update, https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
The Town has received very positive feedback from MassDOT on Phase 1 ,75% Design progress and “readiness”. Comments on design continue to be exchanged and addressed between MassDOT and Lynnfield engineers. To date, all concerns have been addressed. The 100% Design of Phase 1 will be submitted in January 2025.
The Town and law firm, Anderson-Kreiger are working on final details of the Lease agreement for the rail bed right-of-way to be executed with the MBTA. Most recently, the project team met with the MBTA lease group and had a positive meeting outlining the necessary next steps expected from the Town.
The Rail Trail team is expected to present the design of connections from the trail to both the Middle School and High School campuses at a School Committee meeting in early January. They are also working with the City of Peabody to work out details at the Peabody/Lynnfield line which is also the proposed end of the Phase 1 Lynnfield Rail Trail. The team expects both items to be concluded shortly after the new year.
News on FY 2026 construction funding for Phase 1 is expected in March 2025 per MassDOT. If this funding year is realized, the Town’s target date for opening of the Phase 1 section is Spring 2027.
6/28/24 -project update- click link below.
•Lynnfield Awarded $200,000 MassTrails Grant For Rail Trail Design Costs.
Most recently, Lynnfield and MassDOT have worked collaboratively in phasing the project design and construction into two parts.
>The first phase is nearing 75% design and will be submitted to MassDOT within the next few weeks to begin review.
This first phase is proposed from Nichols Lane in Peabody to Ford Avenue in Lynnfield. The project team will seek to connect the trail to both the Lynnfield High School and Lynnfield Middle School campuses and athletic facilities with this phase.
>Lynnfield remains hopeful the first segment can realize construction funding as early as FY26.
Phase 2 design from Ford Avenue through Ready Meadow to Fosters Lane in Wakefield, will continue in parallel with efforts on Phase 1.
“We remain equally committed to bringing both phases of this project to completion. Collectively, we felt that a phased approach will present Lynnfield with an opportunity to begin using the trail sooner than originally planned,” said Town Administrator Robert Dolan.
Lynnfield Special Town Meeting
September 26, 2019
A convincing win for Lynnfield Rail Trail supporters. Article 1 to fund Final Design, passes
by a 585 to 380 margin! Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail brought this to Town Meeting vote
by a citizens petition.
https://patch.com/massachusetts/lynnfield/after-two-close-calls-convincing-win-trail-supporters
Fall 2021 update
The 75 percent design of the Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail is scheduled to be finished in the spring of 2023, Lynnfield Town Administrator Rob Dolan said last week.
“The 4.4-mile Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail continues to progress,” said Dolan. “WorldTech is working towards completing and submitting the 75 percent design to MassDOT in May 2023. BETA Engineering is working on the hydraulic study, which will determine if there are any significant environmental impacts associated with this project. BETA Engineering will also prepare many of the structural and landscaping items, some of which were included for preliminary review in the 25 percent design submittal. LEC Associates will have the primary responsibility for permitting, which will commence in 2022.”
click link below for full article.
https://localheadlinenews.com/rail-trail-work-continues-wakefield/
Summer 2021
Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail Update!
Watch Lynnfield Town Talk 6.23.21
Rob Dolan,Lynnfield Town Administrator hosts:
Vince Inglese- President Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail, Charlie Richter- Town Engineer, John Tomasz- DPW Director.
click here for videohttps://vimeo.com/566634514
April 17, 2025 Update:
"Rail Trail Heads to Town Meeting Fully Funded"
The Town of Lynnfield is excited to announce the Boston Area Metropolitan Planning Office (MPO) has fully funded construction for the Lynnfield Rail Trail (Phase 1) - from Ford Avenue, Lynnfield to Nichols Lane, Peabody for $6,062,695. This project was previously programmed in FY 2029 State Highway Program, with phasing of the project enabling acceleration of Phase 1 for FY 2026 (calendar year starting 10/2025). These MPO funds are strictly dedicated for use in State Priority Bicycle Network and Pedestrian connection projects. As a result of some very accelerated work by the Lynnfield Rail Trail Design Team led by lead engineer Stantec, the project now has a MassDOT programmed bid date of March 2026.
The three Rail Trail articles on the warrant for Town Meeting, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 7PM at the Lynnfield Middle School, have unanimously been endorsed by the Select Board, Finance Committee and Planning Board. The Town will ask Lynnfield residents to vote on these warrant articles to advance Phase 1 of the Rail Trail so that the State can fund construction on the earliest possible date. These articles are decided by simple majority vote at this town meeting and are necessary technical steps applicable to all projects to comply with State and Federal funding requirements.
The project will not be seeking additional funds at Town Meeting.
The three articles to be voted on will:
• Approve temporary construction easements at 127 Summer Street (186 sf) and 130 Summer Street (548 sf) for landscape screening and sidewalk improvements.
• Accept Ford Avenue Extension as a Public Way, similar to the balance of said street.
• Approve the dedication of an unused portion of Town of Lynnfield property at the Lynnfield Middle School, behind and below the track, for public access to the Rail Trail.
“We are very excited and proud to bring these final votes to Town Meeting and more importantly for securing over a six-million-dollar investment in Lynnfield infrastructure, in an incredibly competitive environment, that will be funded in full by the State.” said Town Administrator Robert Dolan. “It’s an outstanding opportunity for the Town of Lynnfield and has been a long time coming for supporters of the trail that have advocated for nearly a decade to achieve this milestone.”
6/14/23
Great News!
MassTrails Awards Lynnfield $200,000 grant for FY 2023!
Award is one of 68 high priority trail projects across the State.
The Lynnfield Rail Trail has been awarded a 2023 MassTrails Grant in the amount of $200,000. It is one of 68 FY 2023 projects receiving a total of $11.2 million in state funding.
The announcement was formally made at a ceremony on June 14. Among Lynnfield attendees present to receive the award were Lynnfield Town Engineer Lisa DeMeo, and dedicated Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail : Vincent Inglese (President), Richard Kosian and Ken MacNulty.
Thank you to the collaboration of the Mass Trails program, Mass DOT, MA DCR, the Healy-Driscoll Administration and our town and state officials for their support in this effort.
Also pictured in photo :Commissioner Brian Arrigo - Mass. Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR).
https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
Lynnfield Villager 6/30/21
https://localheadlinenews.com/wakefield-lynnfield-rail-trail-75-percent-design-eyed-for-2022/
What’s next? The project team will be presenting articles for the April Town Meeting to the Select Board on Monday, March 10, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. at the Al Merritt Center, 600 Market Street. These articles and discussions surround property layout, rights of way and temporary easements needed during construction. The project will not be seeking additional funds at Town Meeting. On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:30pm at the Al Merritt Center, 600 Market Street the Project Team will be presenting to the Conservation Commission regarding Phase 1 construction. The Spring Town Meeting will be held Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Lynnfield Middle School, during which approval of right of way matters will be heard and voted upon. We welcome support at any and all of these public meetings.
March 2, 2025 Update:
https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
The Town submitted the 100% Design for Phase 1 of the Rail Trail to MassDOT on February 6. The 100% submission is a significant milestone in the project's development. It indicates that the design phase for Phase 1 of the trail is complete and ready for final review and approval by MassDOT. This submission is crucial because it allows the project to move forward to the next stages, including securing construction funding, finalizing lease agreements, and preparing for construction.
The Town’s project team continues to advance the MBTA lease agreement and right-of-way acquisition and certification activities. The Town continues to be optimistic that Mass DOT will approve funding for construction of Phase 1 starting in FY 2026. A funding decision is expected in March. If FY2026 funding is realized, the Town’s target date for opening of the Phase 1 section is Spring 2027.
October 16, 2024
September/October Update- (click town link and scroll down for current update, Lynnfield Villager article and Vimeo of 9/23/24 presentation to Select Board ). https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
The Town’s Rail Trail team provided a formal update on the status of the project to the Select Board at its September 23, 2024 meeting. The update included a review of the project design, phasing, and schedule as well as design graphics and example images of proposed trail features. The team will present the design of connections from the trail to both the Middle School and High School campuses at a School Committee meeting in October.
Both phases of the project will be reviewed at MassDOT’s Project Review Committee meeting on October 2, 2024 (postponed by MassDOT from September 26). MassDOT’s comments on the 75% design submittal for Phase 1 are due back to the Town on October 13, 2024. The 100% design of Phase 1 is scheduled to be submitted to MassDOT in late January 2025.
Data collection for the design of Phase 2 was completed in the Spring of 2024. The design team has developed a schematic design alternative for Phase 2 that would take advantage of expected revisions to DEP’s wetlands regulations to reduce the required length of boardwalk and would reduce construction costs. Promulgation of DEP’s revised regulations is anticipated by year end. A schedule for Phase 2 will be developed thereafter.
The Town is hopeful that recent progress on the Phase 1 design will confirm project “readiness” for MassDOT funding and construction of Phase 1 starting in FY 2026. Optimistically, Phase 1 could be open for use in the Spring of 2027.
August 27, 2024 -Update ( click town link below for more information
The Town’s 75% submittal for Phase 1 of the Rail Trail (MassDOT project number 613163) is currently being reviewed by MassDOT. MassDOT’s comments are due back in mid-October. The 100% design of Phase 1 is scheduled to be submitted to MassDOT in late January 2025.
Phase 2 of the Rail Trail has received MassDOT approval of Project Need and Project Scope under a new MassDOT project number 613867.
Both phases of the project will be reviewed at MassDOT’s Project Review Committee meeting on September 26, 2024. The Town is hopeful that recent progress on the Phase 1 design will demonstrate project “readiness” for construction of Phase 1 starting in FY 2026.
The Town’s Rail Trail team intends to provide a formal update on the status of the project to the Select Board at its September 23, 2024 meeting. The team will also present connections from the trail to both the Middle School and High School campuses at their meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.
https://www.lynnfieldma.gov/173/Rail-Trail
Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail
October 15, 2020
Progress update on the Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail.
Friends of the Lynnfield Rail Trail Leadership team members, Vince Inglese, Axel Wirth and Mark Preston along with Lynnfield Town Administrator Rob Dolan, comment in an interview with the
Daily item//Lynnfield Weekly News.
-advocating for the Lynnfield -Wakefield Rail Trail project.
Stay Connected
Lynnfield Rail Trail @ 2013