BOSTON — The Massachusetts Trails Team (MassTrails) announced the release of a new interactive Priority Trails Network vision map for current and future shared-use path projects throughout the Commonwealth. 

 

The map provides a centralized inventory of key rail trail projects that will help support an envisioned comprehensive statewide transportation trail network.  The map specifically identifies approximately 320 miles of trails that have been constructed and are in use, 24 trails that are currently under construction, and another 60 miles of proposed paths that have been funded but not yet constructed. Additionally, the map lists priority shared-use path project locations that either have been proposed for consideration or will be pursued for funding and development to help address key gaps in the network. 

 

"MassDOT is pleased to make available this new interactive priority map to highlight shared-use paths that are open to the public, currently under construction, or are newly identified areas for consideration in communities throughout the Commonwealth," said Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca. "These paths are an important part of the travel network in the state and provide residents with safe, accessible and convenient routes whether people are traveling for fun or for work."  

 

The interactive map can be found at https://www.mass.gov/guides/masstrails-priority-trails-network-vision, and allows users to click on any segment to view trail name, municipality and MassDOT Project Information page, if applicable. The map includes paved, ADA-accessible shared-use paths, most of which are off-road rail trails or greenways.  Where off-road facilities do not exist, high-comfort on-road infrastructure is proposed such as separated bike lanes with sidewalks or side paths. Since 2019, numerous MassTrails grants have focused on extending and connecting existing trails to one another, with the ultimate goal of having all trails statewide connect to this envisioned network.   

 

"Our network of trails offers an important way for our residents to get around, cut down on car use, and enjoy our beautiful outdoors," said Rebecca Tepper, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs. "The Priority Trails Map enables the Healey-Driscoll Administration to identify ways to grow our trails system and, ultimately, reduce transportation emissions."

 

Trails shown on the map include: 

 

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail 

Mohawk Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail 

Columbia Greenway Rail Trail 

Southwick Rail Trail 

Southampton Greenway Rail Trail 

Manhan Rail Trail 

Mass Central Rail Trail 

Northampton Bikeway 

Titanic Rail Trail 

Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway 

Southern New England Trunkline Trail 

Twin Cities Rail Trail 

Assabet River Rail Trail 

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail 

Yankee Doodle Bikeway 

Border to Boston Trail 

Wakefield-Lynnfield Rail Trail 

Methuen Rail Trail 

Lawrence and Manchester Rail Trail 

Concord River Greenway 

Middlesex Canal Trail 

Reformatory Branch Rail Trail 

Minuteman Commuter Bikeway 

Chelsea Greenway 

Mary Ellen Welch East Boston Greenway 

Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path 

Mystic River Reservation Bike Path 

Boston Harborwalk 

Neponset River Greenway 

Watertown-Cambridge Greenway 

Bay Colony Rail Trail 

Upper Charles Trail 

Blackstone River Greenway 

Quequechan River Rail Trail 

Cape Cod Rail Trail 

Shining Sea Bikeway 

Bourne Rail Trail 

 

The interactive map also highlights shared-use paths in the Priority Trails Network that are under consideration and/or in construction as follows: