MassTrails Announces State-wide Priority Trails Network VISION MAP
The statewide Priority Trails Network vision map consists primarily of existing and to- be-built rail trails and greenways that form the core spine route of a statewide connected network. Since 2019, a majority of MassTrails grants have focused on extending and connecting existing trails to one another, with the ultimate goal of having all trails statewide connect to this established framework.
Examples include the Mass Central Rail Trail, that when completed will span 104 miles from Boston to Northampton and intersect with 17 existing trails, and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail which will travel through 8 communities over 25 miles between Lowell and Framingham. The opportunity also exists to connect to trail networks across state lines, with no fewer than nine potential connections shown.
The MassTrails Team is aso actively partnering with national organizations such as the East Coast Greenway Alliance as well as regional planning agencies such as the Cape Cod Commission to ensure route continuity.
The Vision Map is here. Make sure to zoom in to see all the existing and planned connections in and around Lynnfield. (Note that it may take a bit extra time to load the map.)
(The full May 30, 2023 MassDOT press release is below.)
