Segment

Mystic River Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge
In Design

A proposed connection linking Everett’s Northern Strand Trail to Somerville’s Assembly Orange Line Station. Spanning the Mystic River, the bridge would provide a direct route for cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing regional connectivity. Plans include a new Assembly station entrance on the riverfront side, improving access between the bridge, the Northern Strand Trail, and the subway system. The bridge deck design was widened to 18 feet when MassDOT took over the project.

Trails

The Border to Boston Trail is a 70-mile shared-use trail that links approximately 20 communities from the New Hampshire border to Boston for non-motorized uses including walking, bicycling, and more. It also coincides with the East Coat Greenway.

Timeline

Estimated completion of Mystic River Bridge

Fall 2029

In June 2025, MassDOT officials estimate that the project would likely take 2.5 to 3 years to build. If construction begins in fall 2026, that would mean that the project would be complete by the fall of 2029. This is a more ambitious schedule than previously reported.

Estimated start of construction of Mystic River Bridge
Public Meeting for Mystic River Bridge

June 24, 2025

Meeting was held Tuesday, June 24th, 2025 at 6:30 PM.

CANCELLED: Public Meeting for Mystic River Bridge

May 12, 2025

Everett-Somerville – Mystic River bicycle pedestrian bridge

Monday, May 12th, 2025 at 7:00 PM

Design Expected from MassDOT

2025

MassDOT has taken the project over from DCR and "anticipates bringing an updated design to the public within the next several months." They've also updated earlier plans, widening the path from 12 feet to 16 feet.

State Admits Designs Still in Progress

April 2024

Long delayed and with little recent progress, the project is undergoing design revisions to address public feedback, including widening the bridge from 12 to 14 feet and improving its buildability and maintenance. The cost remains $49 million, funded primarily by the state and a $650,000 Gaming Commission grant. A new design will require public review and bidding, with no clear timeline for construction. Meanwhile, nearby projects like Draw Seven Park renovations and developments near the casino highlight the growing need for the bridge.

State Officials Confirm 2024 Construction

June 2023

The Commonwealth's Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs confirmed, "We are on schedule for the project to go out to bid at the end of the calendar year."

RAISE Grant Declined

November 2021

The Mystics river bike/ped bridge was not selected for funding

Governor Commits to Funding

October 22, 2021

Governor Baker announced funding commitments, including a $650,000 Mass Gaming Commission grant to take the bridge through its final stage of design, but construction funding remains uncertain pending federal RAISE grant decisions.

Applied for Federal RAISE Grant

July 2021

MassDOT submitted a grant application seeking $25 million in federal funds for the bridge itself plus a brand-new headhouse for the Assembly Orange Line station on the riverfront side of the Orange Line tracks, facing Draw Seven Park. This new station entrance would allow a direct point of access between the new bridge and the subway platforms.

If it wins grant funding, MassDOT would spend the next year finalizing design and securing permits, begin construction in early 2023, and potentially open the new bridge before the end of 2024.