Marblehead - rail trail improvement (border to boston)

Marblehead Rail Trail Improvement (Border to Boston) – Federal Grant Award Summary

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $175,000 to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205) on September 10, 2025, for the Marblehead Rail Trail Improvement project. This project grant, with an ultimate completion date of December 31, 2027, supports the development and improvement of recreational trail infrastructure connecting the Marblehead area to Boston. The funding facilitates the conversion and enhancement of former rail corridors into multimodal transportation facilities, which aligns with FHWA's priorities for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, transportation alternatives, and recreational trails development as authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

MassDOT, as the state's central transportation authority and recipient of this federal award, will serve as the primary administrator responsible for project execution, oversight, and compliance with applicable federal requirements including environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act. The project represents a component of Massachusetts' broader transportation infrastructure improvement portfolio and supports regional connectivity objectives by enhancing non-motorized transportation options between the North Shore community of Marblehead and the Boston metropolitan area.

Project description

Ear-003E(007)X - marblehead - rail trail improvement (border to boston)