MassDOT Celebrates 15 Miles of New Shared Use Paths Opened in 2024
Shared use paths enhance pedestrian and bicyclist safety, helping to make Massachusetts’ transportation network more inclusive
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is celebrating that approximately 15 miles of new shared use paths opened in 2024, expanding multimodal connectivity and opportunities for recreation across Massachusetts while enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety. Earlier this month, Massachusetts was ranked second in the nation on the League of American Bicyclists' 2024 list of Bicycle Friendly States - higher than every other state in the Northeast region and along the East Coast. Throughout the course of 2024, MassDOT also completed several roadway projects that added new bike lanes, sidewalks, shared use paths, and crosswalks.
“Whether they are used for recreation or commuting to work, our multimodal paths play a vital role in making our transportation network cleaner, safer, and more inclusive,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We are proud of the numerous tools and funding programs that we have put in place to keep fortifying our infrastructure in ways that benefit pedestrians and bicyclists across Massachusetts.”
“With these new routes, we are transforming how people move through their communities—offering pedestrians and cyclists safe, healthy, and sustainable ways to reach their destinations while actively contributing to Massachusetts’ ambitious climate goals,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “This progress would not be possible without the vision and collaboration of stakeholders and community leaders, whose insights have been invaluable in creating a more connected and inclusive transportation network for all.”
“Shared use paths provide the kind of connectivity that can foster better human interactions and revitalize communities,” said Peter Sutton, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator at MassDOT. “By removing barriers to walking and biking and making our roadways safer for all users, we are creating a more equitable transportation network for future generations of Massachusetts residents.”
In addition, MassDOT will soon launch its Next Generation Bicycle and Pedestrian Vision Map. This project will play a significant role in making walking and biking a more viable option for residents, when traveling to nearby destinations across Massachusetts. The development of this project has helped MassDOT identify physical and quality gaps when it comes to multimodal connectivity, and this information will provide a roadmap for targeted multimodal investments in the future, supporting the transportation vision articulated in MassDOT’s Beyond Mobility 2050 Transportation Plan.
The 15 miles of new shared paths that opened in 2024 were the result of completed projects, either constructed by MassDOT or jointly funded through the MassTrails program, along 14 different trails across Massachusetts. Some notable projects include the following:
Ashuwillticook Rail Trail Extension, in Pittsfield – completed in November 2024, this project created the newest half-mile section of the overall 15-mile shared use path, which now stretches from Merrill Road in Pittsfield to Lime Street in Adams. Future segments in Adams and Pittsfield are also funded for construction, to extend the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail into North Adams and Downtown Pittsfield, with the ultimate goal of a 25-mile, off-road trail network from Williamstown to Pittsfield linking many population centers and attractions in the Berkshires.
Reconstruction of Damon Road, in Northampton – completed in fall 2024, this 1.1-mile shared use path improves traffic safety and operations while upgrading multimodal accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians. In addition to the new shared use path, key improvements include new sidewalks and crosswalks, bicycle boxes for turning, and improved traffic signals including a new pedestrian hybrid beacon. Additional upgrades include drainage repairs along Damon Road, construction of a new drainage swale to help reduce runoff, and restoration of an eroded bank west of the Norwottuck Rail Trail nearby, as well as stabilization of the Connecticut River southern bank at that trail’s bridge location.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Upgrades at Roundabouts in Orleans, Newburyport and Ashland – consistent with MassDOT’s commitment to creating a more equitable transportation network for all users, new roundabouts are featured prominently across the Commonwealth. On Cape Cod, a new roundabout replaced previously hazardous, unsignalized intersection of Route 28 and 39 while significantly improving safety for all users with new sidewalks and crosswalks. In Newburyport, the existing rotary was reduced in size, resulting in fewer lane conflicts for all users traveling along Route 1 and the adjacent shared use path network. In Ashland, a new roundabout provided much needed improvements along Route 126, adding a new shared use path and bike lanes as part of upgrades to a major shopping center.
Walnut Street Pedestrian Improvements, in Saugus – upgrades to a busy stretch of Walnut Street near the Route 1 interchange in Saugus were completed in August 2024, utilizing dedicated funding from the 2019 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans. New sidewalk construction, curb ramp rehabilitation, as well as improved roadway crossings and signals were all included in the overall Complete Streets design toward making the roadway safer for all users.
Additional notable corridor improvements completed in 2024 include:
• Corridor improvements along Dedham Street and Canton Street, including new bike lanes and a pedestrian underpass, in Canton.
• Corridor improvements along Route 138 including new sidewalks and bike lanes, in Taunton.
• Reconstruction of Middlesex Turnpike including new sidewalks and bike lanes, in Burlington.
• Reconstruction of Union Avenue including new sidewalks and bike lanes, in Framingham.
• Reconstruction of Damon Road including new sidewalks and shared use path, in Northampton.
• Reconstruction of Routes 23 and 41 including new sidewalks and bike lanes, in Egremont.
Additionally, in 2024 MassDOT continued to support improvements in school zones and the expansion of shared paths and trails through programs like Safe Routes to School, Shared Streets and Spaces, Complete Streets, and MassTrails, which have all helped to prioritize investments in municipalities to create safer, multimodal travel.
Through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, MassDOT continues to support safe biking and walking for elementary and middle school students. The program currently serves more than 1,200 schools in over 285 communities across the Commonwealth where projects have been funded. In November 2024, MassDOT awarded three SRTS Signs and Lines grants, which provide design services and up to $10,000 in construction funding to each selected community for roadway signage and pavement markings on key walking and bicycling routes near public elementary, middle and high schools. Additionally, MassDOT launched a call for projects as part of the SRTS Infrastructure Grant Program. The application period closed on October 18, 2024, and awards are expected to be made in early 2025. Additionally, the program also developed a new Technical Assistance Program for eligible communities that apply for SRTS grants to set them up for success in securing funding for much needed improvements.
Through the Shared Streets and Spaces Funding Program, MassDOT continues to provide funding assistance to help Massachusetts cities and towns conceive, design and implement tactical changes to curbs, streets, on-street parking spaces and off-street parking lots. Such improvements have been shown to have a positive impact on public health, safe mobility and renewed commerce. To date, the program has given $55.3 million dollars to 227 municipalities and seven transit authorities to implement 521 projects across Massachusetts, of which 56% are in Environmental Justice communities. This year’s round of funding provided $5.6 million to 28 municipalities and two Regional Transit Authorities. In 2021, the Transportation Bond Bill authorized $20 million for the program spread out over five years.
Through the Complete Streets Funding Program, MassDOT continues to support safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. Grant awards from this program are used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and individuals using other forms of transportation. Examples of project elements that can be implemented through the program include sidewalks, multimodal paths, bicycle lanes, improved street lighting, and pedestrian signalization at crosswalks or intersections. Now in its ninth full year, the Complete Streets Funding Program has awarded 278 Tier 3 construction project grants across Massachusetts totaling over $100 million. In 2024, a February announcement was made that more than $4.8 million was being awarded to 10 communities and in November an announcement was made that approximately $4.5 million was being awarded to 11 participating municipalities.
The MassTrails Team consists of MassDOT, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. MassTrails seeks to expand and connect the state’s networks of off-road, shared-use pathways, and recreational trails for all users. Continuing efforts to support Massachusetts’ growing network of trails, the Healey-Driscoll Administration in 2024 announced $12 million in its sixth annual round of MassTrails Grants to 65 projects throughout the Commonwealth. The grants will provide assistance for the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of public trails throughout the state trails system, such as hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths. In 2023, the MassTrails Team officially launched its Priority Trails Network map. Since 2019, a majority of 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 established framework. This statewide vision consists primarily of existing and built rail trails and greenways that form the core spine route of a statewide connected shared use path network.