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MassDOT Interactive Priority Trails Network Vision Map
08:12AM / Sunday, June 04, 2023
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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: 
  • The Mass Central Rail Trail that when completed will span 104 miles from Boston to Northampton and intersect with 17 existing trails. 
  • The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail which will travel through eight communities over 25 miles between Lowell and Framingham.  
  • Nine inter-state connections to Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont.
  • Cape Cod paths that would create a seamless 88-mile connection from the canal to Provincetown.  
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