27-19-PLAN Danvers-Peabody-Salem Rail Trail Feasibility Study

The City of Salem, on behalf of the Town of Danvers, City of Peabody, and City of Salem, is requesting proposals for consultant services to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of an inactive rail corridor connecting the three communities, with proposals due October 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM. The selected consultant must be prequalified by MassDOT for planning, engineering, or transportation services—a decision-flipping eligibility requirement.

The scope spans approximately five to seven miles of inactive freight rail line that ceased operations in 2023. The consultant will deliver six primary tasks: project management and administration, stakeholder and agency coordination, existing conditions assessment, alternatives development and screening, detailed feasibility analysis with conceptual design, and implementation planning with final deliverables. The study will evaluate future use alternatives including rail-to-trail conversion, passenger rail service, freight operations continuation, and other reuse scenarios. The consultant must demonstrate familiarity with MassDOT policies and procedures, experience with the Central Transportation Planning Staff, state and federal transportation funding programs, and railroad operator coordination. All team members performing architecture and engineering work must provide current MassDOT audit compliance letters.

The total project budget is $750,000, funded through $600,000 in Community Project Funding (CPF) and a $150,000 MassDOT match (20%). The contract is structured on a cost-plus net fee basis with provisions for supplemental meetings and additional work items. Study completion is required by October 31, 2028.

Evaluation criteria include relevant experience and project team qualifications, technical approach and project understanding, stakeholder engagement and railroad coordination capabilities, public engagement and accessibility practices, quality assurance and deliverable track records, and project management and schedule performance. An independent cost review will be conducted before contract execution.

A non-mandatory remote information session is scheduled for September 16, 2026. Written questions are due September 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Proposals must include six paper originals and one USB flash drive, submitted to the City of Salem Purchasing Office at 93 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Salem, MA 01970. Award is anticipated within 45 days of the proposal due date, subject to MassDOT and Federal Highway Administration approval. The municipalities reserve the right to reject any or all proposals and to select any or all phases or tasks.