Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, February 14, 2020 Baker-Polito Administration announces construction will begin to complete Northern Strand Community Trail $13.7 million construction contract awarded to R. Zoppo Corp. O n February 7, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), along with the Cities of Everett, Lynn, Malden and Revere and the Town of Saugus, announced that construction on remaining sections of the Northern Strand Community Trail will begin. The completed project will result in a transportation and recreation corridor of about 11.5 miles from the Mystic River to the Lynn shoreline, connecting the communities of Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn. Through EEA’s Gateway City Parks program, the Baker-Polito Administration has invested more than $15 million to design, permit and construct the Northern Strand. “The Baker-Polito Administration has made expanding access to the Commonwealth’s outdoor resources a priority, and the Northern Strand is a terrific example of that work in action,” said EEA Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Trails connect communities, offer recreational and transit opportunities while providing significant environmental benefits, and we are proud to support this project, which will provide greater mobility and access to Massachusetts’ great outdoors for residents in these Gateway Cities.” “Now, more than ever, trails such as the Northern Strand can provide an important travel corridor for the public to get to destinations,” said Transportation Secretary/CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The Northern Strand Community Trail will encourage more walking and bicycling for people trying to reach retail areas, schools and other locations. This project is an example of how we can achieve the visions and goals set forth in the State Bicycle and State Pedestrian Plans. We have to give more people more choices for travel and this trail does that.” The $13.7 million construction contract has been awarded to R. Zoppo Corporation through a public bidding process. Construction operations have begun with field work starting in early 2020, and full construction activities will commence in early spring. In addition to constructing remaining sections of the trail, R. Zoppo Corporation will make additional improvements to existing sections. The construction work will be observed in the field by Stantec Inc., with construction administration services being provided under the leadership of Brown Richardson + Rowe, which was – together with Stantec – hired by EEA to design and permit the Northern Strand on behalf of the five communities. The contract is being administered by the City of Revere on behalf of all five communities. Project updates and projected work schedules will be shared with the public via the City of Revere website and social media outreach. Construction crews, fencing and signage along the trail corridor will be visible during the construction process, which may limit access at times. Temporary trail closures are possible in order to accommodate the logistics of various work activities. Construction plans will prioritize public safety during heavy construction while balancing opportunities to maintain public access to portions of the trail where possible. “I am excited to see that we are one step closer towards the expansion of the Northern Strand Community Path through Lynn becoming a reality,” said Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee. “The realization of this project has been a collaborative effort throughout the years between state and local officials, community groups and residents. I look forward to the day in the very near future when our residents can enjoy this family-friendly recreational path.” “The Northern Strand Community Trail is not only a wonderful recreational escape for people in the densely-populated cities north of Boston, its completion will provide an important component of alternative transportation as the region addresses vehicular traffic congestion on the North Shore,” said Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo. “The extension fulfills the dream of a ‘Bike to the Sea’ link from Boston to the COMMUNITY TRAIL | SEE PAGE 9
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