City secures funds for first phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston has worked to successfully secure over $3 million in federal and state funds to construct the first phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail, which when completed will bring three and a half miles of safe walking and cycling paths extending from Ruggles Station in Roxbury to the South Boston waterfront.

 

This first phase will involve building a ¾ mile section of the trail linking the South End to South Boston where it will connect with the existing Fort Point Channel Harborwalk. The South Bay Harbor Trail is one of several ongoing policies and projects identified in the Go Boston 2030 Action Plan that the City of Boston had in development prior to the release of the Action Plan earlier this year. These policies and projects include a series of multi-use paths, such as the South Bay Harbor Trail and the Connect Historic Boston project currently in construction, that will improve access, reliability and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. It was also highlighted by Go Boston 2030 as a Better Bike Corridor that the City would pursue as part of an effort to build low stress bike facilities throughout Boston.

 

"The South Bay Harbor Trail will offer direct, protected access to the South Boston Waterfront for people walking and riding bikes from Ruggles Station in Roxbury, as well as from points in Boston neighborhoods along the way," said Mayor Walsh. "With many job opportunities on the South Boston Waterfront, it is critical that Boston residents have commuting options into the area that are reliable, affordable and safe. The South Bay Harbor Trail meets this demand and I look forward to the start of construction in the spring."

 

As part of the process, the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) designed the project and led a robust community process, MassDOT advertised it for construction on September 16, with a bid opening scheduled for February 13, and construction is scheduled to begin next spring. On behalf of the local community, the City of Boston will continue to coordinate efforts with MassDOT throughout the construction period.

 

"I'd like to thank MassDOT, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, and our community partners for their help with this important project," said Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca. "The South Bay Harbor Trail is consistent with the transportation goals established in Go Boston 2030 to better and more safely accommodate people walking and riding bikes. It represents another step toward our mission to ensure that Boston's transportation system is prepared to meet demand over the next decade."

 

"I am delighted that construction of the South Bay Harbor Trail is moving forward," said South Boston resident Bill Gleason, President of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association. "Infrastructure like this adds value to our daily living experience, home values and health statistics.  In addition to offering economical, all day access to growing job opportunities, my neighbors and I are also excited to use the trail for exercise and recreation, and as a fun way to connect to restaurants, concerts and other activities taking place on the Waterfront."

 

The route of the South Bay Harbor Trail crosses over bridges and under highways, allowing people to walk and ride bikes in areas that have traditionally been difficult, if not impossible, for them to navigate. Via the Broadway Bridge, the first phase to be constructed will extend from Albany street near Union Park Street in the South End to Dorchester Avenue in South Boston at the entrance to the Gillette facility. More information on the South Bay Harbor Trail Plan is available online.

 

The second phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail will be constructed as part of the Melnea Cass Boulevard roadway reconstruction project. It will run from Ruggles Station, along Melnea Cass Boulevard, to the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue. This phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail is expected to be advertised for construction in 2019. The City of Boston is managing and funding the project design and community process. The City of Boston has secured $25 million in federal and state funds to construct this second phase that will include the full reconstruction of Melnea Cass Boulevard.

 

Go Boston 2030 is the City of Boston's long term mobility plan. Go Boston 2030  envisions a city in a region where all residents have better and more equitable travel choices, where efficient transportation networks foster economic opportunity, and where steps have been taken to prepare for climate change. Whether traveling by transit, on foot, on a bike, or by car, people will be able to access all parts of Boston safely and reliably. A list of projects and policies have been developed that are being implemented as early action projects in the near term, and a set of long-term projects and policies are intended to be implemented over the next 15 years. To learn more visit, www.goboston2030.org.

 

Go Boston 2030 complements Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years.  Imagine Boston 2030 will guide growth to support our dynamic economy and expand opportunity for all residents.  The plan prioritizes inclusionary growth and puts forth a comprehensive vision to boost quality of life, equity and resilience in every neighborhood across the City.  Shaped by the input of 15,000 residents who contributed their thoughts to the plan, Imagine Boston 2030 identifies five action areas to guide Boston's growth, enhancement and preservation, and is paired with a set of metrics that will evaluate progress and successes.  To learn more visit, imagine.boston.gov.