Press Release
The Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and State Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Transportation Committee, announced on 2/14/19 a contract was signed for the construction of the second phase of a shared-use path in Mattapoisett. The award of the $7 million contract was made public by Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver during a meeting attended by Representative Straus, who has been a key advocate for the project. The proposed path will extend from Mattapoisett Neck Road to Depot Street and will connect to the path that currently exists heading west through Mattapoisett and Fairhaven that terminates at the Fairhaven/New Bedford Harbor.
Mass. state representative Bill Straus (LEFT) watches as Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver signs the contract for the bike path extension through Mattapoisett on 2/14/19. Public Domain photo by Mass. DOT.
“Transportation is about making meaningful connections and improving people’s quality of life.” said Administrator Gulliver. “This extension is a prime example of delivering a transformative project through collaboration and advocacy. I would like to thank Chairman Straus and the many groups in Mattapoisett that made this project a reality.”
MassDOT anticipates issuing the Notice to Proceed for this project within the next few weeks. The project was advertised to bid in September 2018, and the bids were opened in January 2019 with D.W White of Acushnet having been deemed the apparent low bidder.
“A connected bike path through Mattapoisett has been a major priority for community members for many years, so it is gratifying to learn that we will soon be breaking ground on the next critical segment into Mattapoisett village,” said Rep. Straus. “I want to thank Governor Baker for his commitment to this project. State support has been essential.”
“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to pursue opportunities that both enhance the state’s vast network of trails and expands access to the natural world that surrounds us,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy. “Once complete, this project will provide a great opportunity to further connect local neighborhoods and the region, which will truly benefit the public for years to come.”
The new shared-use path will also serve as part of a larger trail network that seeks to connect the communities of Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion and Wareham.
This map shows the extension of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail from Mattapoisett Neck Road (LEFT) to Depot Street in Mattapoisett. The path connects to the Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven. Organizers hope to create trail all the way to the Cape. Public Domain photo.
To learn more about the Mattapoisett Rail Trail visit https://mattapoisettrailtrail.com or https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/places-to-go/mattapoisett-rail-trail/
To learn more about the Phoenix Bike Trail visit https://fairhaventours.com/phoenix-bike-trail-fairhaven-ma/
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