National Grid work delays remaining paving on North Central Pathway; city to negotiate master license agreement

City staff told the committee that National Grid will perform work on main power lines between the substation and switch station past Park Street, likely taking about a year and requiring closure of the unpaid sections of the North Central Pathway that have not yet been paved.

Staff said the delay prevents paving this season but could make later work easier because National Grid will expand clearing that helps city crews. The city plans to use the coming year to finalize a master license agreement with National Grid that would cover future use of the utility corridor and to plan the remaining routing and a future bridge over Route 140.

Why it matters: the remaining unpaved pathway segments are commonly used by residents and the closure will change local recreational access. Staff said the city will coordinate closure notices and continue work on design and grant applications, including a future MassTrails grant to fund paving and the proposed bridge.

Status and next steps: staff opened a public feedback process and scheduled a community meeting and online survey; a public meeting on the hazard mitigation plan is scheduled for Sept. 18 (Hubbard Conference Room, City Hall Annex), and staff encouraged residents to participate in ongoing surveys about hazards and pathways.

Ending: staff framed the delay as an opportunity to negotiate a license agreement and to prepare stronger grant applications for the remainder of the project.