Support for the Mattapoisett Rail Trail

A COMPLETED BIKE PATH THROUGH MATTAPOISETT IS IN VIEW!

Mattapoisett’s next step towards finishing the rail trail is to finalize design for the last section: Phase 2.

Finalizing design for Phase 2 will set the stage for accessing construction funds.

Status and Planning

Phase 2A, which connects the existing trail to Industrial Drive, is the focus of work now. Once completed, the rail trail will connect with neighborhoods north of Route 6, Village Court, Industrial Drive, the Bay Club and, most importantly, connect with the Marion pathway.

The Town plans to seek construction funding for the project as soon as practical. In June 2024, we were awarded $202,000 from a MassTrails grant to finalize plans for Phase 2A. Friends are contributing a $50,000 match that has already been raised, thanks to our generous donors.

Step 1 – 100% Design: 

Finalizing design for the remaining 1.6 miles of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail (Phase 2) is necessary to build a fully paved rail trail with safe crossings of Route 6 and North Street.

Steps 2 and 3 – Funding construction and bidding:

Once design is sufficiently complete for Phase 2, construction costs can be properly estimated and funding sources identified. Bidding occurs after construction funding is secured.

The current Phase 2A status:

Phase 2A, which runs from Depot Street to the North Street Park & Ride is approaching 25% design thanks to the MassTrails grant, other State grants, and Friends' contributions. The goal is to complete 100% design in 2025.

Phase 2B, a designated shared-use path which will run alongside Industrial Drive, was largely designed in 2018-19 and funded for construction.

What is the Status of the Marion Pathway?

Marion has recently submitted its 100% design for review and state construction funding. In June 2024, the project received a $96,000 Mass Trails grant.

Completing the 2.6 miles of Phase 2 in Mattapoisett will create a 12 mile car-free path from Main Street in Fairhaven to the Marion Pathway.

We highly value our supporters who share our mission to complete the Mattapoisett Rail Trail. Thank you so much for your support.

The Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization. Contributions to the Friends are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.mattapoisettrailtrail.org.