Segment

In Design

Construction funded for 2026

Trails

The Swampscott Rail Trail will convert a former railroad bed into a two-mile linear park from Stetson Road to the Marblehead Rail Trail. This ten-foot-wide, stone-dust path will connect neighborhoods, schools, and conservation lands. Street crossings will include safety features and a bridge over Paradise Road. Native vegetation will be preserved, and access points will ensure easy entry by foot, bike, or nearby parking at the Middle School or Stanley School.

Timeline

Construction Funding Approved for FY 2026

May 26, 2022

The Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization voted to program construction of the Swampscott Rail Trail for fiscal year 2026 – allocating over 8.9 million dollars to build the remaining segments of the proposed trail from Bradlee Avenue to Stetson Avenue, including a pedestrian bridge over Paradise Road.

Town-Wide Vote Upholds Funding

June 29, 2017

Anti-trail abutters collected enough signatures to force a town-wide vote. With a 46% voter turnout, the Swampscott community voted 2,741 to 2,152 to re-affirm the May Town Meeting vote and support the funding and creation of the Swampscott Rail Trail.

Town Meeting Approves Design Funding

May 15, 2017

Town Meeting overwhelming approves (by a vote of 210 to 56) a warrant article requesting $850,000 to be used for the design and engineering of the trail location as well as the legal fees and costs for the acquisition of the easement rights. This warrant article was also unanimously sponsored by the Board of Selectmen and supported by the Finance Committee, Capital Improvement Committee, School Committee, Planning Board, Open Space Committee and Conservation Commission.

Information Sessions

April 15, 2017

In preparation for an upcoming Town Meeting vote, information sessions are held for the public as well as town committees, outlining the trail vision, design and engineering process, and grant opportunities.

Feasability Study

January 1, 2002

Town Meeting voted to create a Rail Trail Study Committee, which then completed a feasibility study in 2002-03