Press Release: 2024-11-13

DCR and City of Waltham Celebrate Progress on the Mass Central Rail Trail at the Waltham Riverwalk

 

Public and private entities work with DCR to continue building the 104-mile trail from Boston to Northampton 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

11/12/2024

MEDIA CONTACT

Brenna Galvin, DCR Press Secretary

 Phone

Call Brenna Galvin, DCR Press Secretary at (617)686-4569

 Online

Email Brenna Galvin, DCR Press Secretary at brenna.galvin@mass.gov

WALTHAM — Today, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Brian Arrigo and Waltham Mayor Jeannette McCarthy formally opened a nearly three-mile segment of the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) that was built by the City of Waltham and will be managed by DCR. DCR is working to restore the Linden Street Bridge, creating a connection for the two portions of the new trail. This new segment of the trail is part of 60 miles of the 104-mile MCRT project that has been fully developed, marking a significant advancement for the off-road shared-use trail that, when completed, will connect Boston to Northampton.  

“At DCR, we manage a vast trail network that connects communities across the state and beyond, providing increased opportunities for exercise, green transportation, tourism, and economic development,” said DCR Commissioner Arrigo. “These new advancements on the MCRT project will help boost local economies along the trail, where visitors can explore new cities and towns and contribute to the success of local business, including in the City of Waltham.”   

“The Mayor and the City Council worked together to provide funding for the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail (MCRT) so the citizens of Waltham could enjoy walking, biking and commuting in Waltham while enjoying nature as they travel across the City,” said Mayor Jeannette McCarthy.  

Construction is ongoing on the Wayside section of the MCRT, spanning approximately 20 miles from Waltham to Berlin. In 2011 DCR entered into a lease agreement with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), enabling DCR to transform this former railroad corridor into a shared-use trail in collaboration with local municipalities. DCR is also working on another project to connect Waltham residents safely across a railroad bridge to five miles of completed trail in Weston and Wayland, addressing a critical gap in the MCRT network.  

“I am thrilled to see our city making significant strides in expanding and enhancing green spaces for our residents. The completion of Riverwalk Park’s $1.4 million reconstruction, the opening of the 3-mile Mass Central Rail Trail segment, and the groundbreaking of the MCRT Waltham-Weston connection are transformative steps toward creating a more connected, accessible, and sustainable community,” said Representative John Lawn (10th Middlesex). “These projects not only provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation, but also improve the quality of life for all Waltham residents, while preserving the natural beauty of our city for generations to come."

"I'm overjoyed to celebrate these milestones for Waltham's green spaces and trails," said Representative Thomas M. Stanley (9th Middlesex). "The reconstruction of Riverwalk Park and groundbreaking of the MCRT Waltham-Weston connection will expand trail access and further link our great city with communities east and west. I'm grateful to DCR, city officials, the Waltham Delegation, and countless residents and advocates who collaborated to make this vision a reality."

In addition to these segments of the MCRT, DCR is making other investments in the City of Waltham. Along the north bank of the Charles River between Moody Street and Prospect Street construction is nearing completion on a 0.5-mile segment of the Charles River Greenway known as Riverwalk Park. The refurbished urban park will feature a reconstructed shared-use path, in addition to restored benches, new plantings, riverbank stabilization and invasive removal/control, new green stormwater infrastructure, and other improvements.

And finally, across Moody Street, DCR is designing a similar project in Landry Park that aims to promote historic character and ecological resources; improve views, accessibility, circulation, and connections; provide improved gathering spaces; restore site soils and introduce green infrastructure; promoting biodiversity and improved wildlife habitat; and unifying the site furnishings.

For more information and updates, please visit the  Mass Central Rail Trail project webpage.