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Commission hears details on MassDOT's North Central Pathway extension and flags parking, ebike and safety concerns
Summary
A commissioner summarized a MassDOT Zoom showing a 1.45-mile, 12-foot-wide asphalt extension of the North Central Pathway, with permitting in 2027 and construction forecast for summer/fall 2028 across two seasons. Commissioners raised concerns about parking loss at Park Street, ebike rules and sightlines; MassDOT is project manager.
A commission member reported on a MassDOT-hosted public meeting about the North Central Pathway Extension and described the proposed alignment, timeline and community impacts.
The presenter said the next leg would extend an old rail alignment for about 1.45 miles with a 12-foot-wide asphalt surface. MassDOT expects to complete permitting and paperwork in 2027, with construction beginning in the summer or fall of 2028 and work continuing across two construction seasons. Bids for a subsequent pedestrian bridge over Route 140 are expected to go out in 2027.
The commissioner noted Park Street would receive a formal crosswalk with pedestrian lights to improve sightlines at a curve and warned that the project could eliminate much of the small parking area on the golf-course side of the road. "Preserving parking was not a goal of the project," the commissioner said, adding that alternate parking areas are two miles away at Crystal Lake.
Commissioners also asked whether and how ebikes would be managed on the paved trail and pressed for signage to warn hikers and slower users that faster devices can approach from behind. Staff and commissioners said MassDOT is the project manager and that the work will need coordination with National Grid and other right-of-way holders.
No decision was required at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to stay informed and requested any design or permit materials when they become available.
