Press Release: 8/8/2025
MassDOT Breaks Ground on Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8/07/2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT
Phone
Call Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at (857) 368-8500
Online
Email Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at jacquelyn.goddard@dot.state.ma.us
LAWRENCE — In an event today in Lawrence, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña, and the Lawrence Office of Planning and Development broke ground on the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor (LMRC) improvement project. The project will upgrade an existing abandoned rail corridor into an approximately 1.5-mile shared use path.
“We’re proud to partner with our municipal leaders to bring the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor to life, transforming a long-unused rail line into a vibrant shared-use path,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This project isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about equity. It’s about ensuring every resident has safe, reliable access to walk, bike, and connect to their community, regardless of zip code or background.
“At its core, this project is about bringing people together and strengthening the City of Lawrence for residents and visitors,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I’m proud to secure $35.2 million in federal funding to help make the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor a reality because every family deserves safe, accessible spaces to walk, bike, and spend time together. This new shared-use path will open up opportunities for residents, support local businesses, and strengthen the fabric of our community.”
The project includes improvements along the corridor such as traffic signal reconstruction, curb extensions, construction of new or rehabilitating existing sidewalks, installation of ADA/AAB accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian signal equipment along the corridor as it intersects with public roadways. Additional improvements include installation of granite curbing, minor drainage system upgrades, mill and overlay of the existing pavement at street intersections, and full depth pavement construction for both the shared-use path and selected roadway intersection areas.
“The Manchester Rail Trail is a transformative project that will open new opportunities to connect people to work, school, home, and more, and we’re grateful for our partnership with our state and federal delegations and the city’s leadership to make projects like this become a reality,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “Shared use paths are proven tools to support mobility and economic growth, and the Manchester Rail Trail will result a new means of travel that will stretch from one end of the city to the other.”
“The Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor project is a transformative investment in the future of our city,” said Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña. “By turning an abandoned rail line into a modern shared-use path, we are creating a safer, more connected community—one that promotes active transportation, supports local economic development, and improves quality of life for all our residents.”
“I am incredibly excited that the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor Improvement Project is finally underway. For myself and many others, this groundbreaking ceremony has been a long time coming,” said State Representative Frank A. Moran (D – Lawrence). “I am grateful to my colleagues on Beacon Hill, who have supported me as I fought for and secured funding for this project. Thank you to Secretary Tibbits-Nutt, Highway Administrator Gulliver, the Healey-Driscoll administration, Mayor DePeña, and the mayor’s staff for their consistent partnership in making this trail a reality. I look forward to seeing everyone walking, jogging, biking and more across the Merrimack River and through the City of Lawrence.”
“This project transforms a forgotten rail line into a vibrant, safe corridor for walking, biking, and connection right here in Lawrence.” said Senator Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “It is an investment in health, accessibility, and neighborhood pride, especially for families who deserve more ways to move through their city safely and with dignity.”
State Representative Francisco E. Paulino (16th Essex) added: “A little over a month ago, we recognized Juneteenth, a time to reflect on our shared history and our responsibility to expand opportunity for all. For cities like Lawrence, access to commuter rail, highway infrastructure, and safe pedestrian routes is essential to economic growth and regional equity. The Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor is a major step forward. It strengthens connectivity across the Merrimack Valley, supports local businesses, and positions Lawrence to attract new industries. This is the kind of investment Gateway Cities need to thrive.”
“This project is more than just infrastructure — it is a major investment in our city and the entire region. Transforming the corridor represents connectivity, revitalization, and an opportunity for safe, sustainable transportation. I'm proud to support this development and the growth that this will bring to our community.” said State Representative Estela Reyes (4th Essex).
The project also includes rehabilitation of existing LMRC bridges over the Merrimack River and the South Canal, construction of a new bridge over Manchester Street for the shared-use path, and replacement of the Lowell Street bridge with a precast concrete culvert structure. Additionally, the approaches on Lowell Street will be reconstructed to accommodate the proposed structure and connect with the existing infrastructure. The notice to proceed was issued in the spring, and the project is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2028.