A new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting Everett and Somerville is moving one step closer to construction following the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors’ approval of a $78.7 million design-build contract on September 23.
The Mystic River Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge will create a new, safe, and accessible crossing between the two communities, connecting the Gateway Park trail and public boardwalk in Everett with Draw Seven Park in Somerville.
The car-free bridge will close a critical gap in the region’s walking and biking network, providing a direct crossing of the Mystic River for people walking, rolling, and biking. The project will also connect to existing shared-use paths and include new lighting, wayfinding, landscaped approaches, and improvements along the riverfront.
“This is an exciting milestone for Everett and a project that will fundamentally change how our residents connect to the region,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “For too long, the Mystic River has been a barrier between Everett and our neighboring communities. This bridge will give residents more options to get to work, connect to public transit, and walk or bike instead of sitting in traffic. Building a more connected and sustainable Everett is a priority for my administration, and this project is a major step in that direction.”
Once complete, the bridge will strengthen connections between Everett and destinations throughout the region, including Assembly Row, Draw Seven Park, the Northern Strand Trail, Mystic River Greenway, Malden River Greenway, and Everett’s Lower Broadway District. It will also improve access to public transportation, businesses, neighborhoods, and recreational opportunities on both sides of the river.
“This bridge will close a major missing link in the regional bicycle and pedestrian network and create a direct connection across the Mystic River where none exists today,” said Jonathan Gulliver, Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator at MassDOT. “When complete, this new bridge will provide a safe, accessible connection that ties together transit, neighborhoods, and businesses with an expanding network of shared-use paths on both sides of the river.”
MassDOT is delivering the project in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which will own and maintain the bridge once construction is complete. MassDOT and DCR have hosted public informational meetings and a design public hearing, in addition to working with Everett and Somerville throughout the design, permitting, and procurement process.