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25% design complete for North Central Pathway; Pearly Brook culvert replacement still awaiting National Grid coordination
Summary
City staff reported 25% design completion for most of the North Central Pathway and application for a MassTrails grant (up to $250,000) to finish the design; engineering for the collapsed Pearly Brook culvert remains unresolved and staff said National Grid is considered responsible for replacement options under review.
During a quarterly update Dr. Stevens told the committee the city completed 25% design for the North Central Pathway — excluding the pedestrian bridge — and has prepared preliminary engineering, environmental documentation and right‑of‑way layouts. The city had an initial formal review with MassDOT and has applied for a MassTrails grant seeking up to $250,000 to advance design to 100% and produce bid‑ready plans.
Stevens said staff will prepare for a public hearing on the pathway design in late spring or early summer and that further coordination with National Grid will be needed on right‑of‑way matters as National Grid clears corridor A1B2 wires.
On the Pearly Brook culvert, Stevens said there are no new engineering dates: the culvert collapsed in summer 2025 and the city’s engineering team continues to coordinate with the other party’s engineering review. Staff said the other party is expected to be responsible for replacement, and options under consideration include repairing the culvert or replacing it with a full bridge.
Council members emphasized concern about the pace of responses from outside utilities and providers; staff acknowledged long lead times for National Grid civil reviews and said the city will continue outreach but has limited leverage over third‑party engineering schedules. No formal action was taken; staff will pursue the MassTrails application and return with a public hearing schedule once the design advances.
