By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The Boston Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s staff members recommended on March 20 that Phase 1 of the Lynnfield Rail Trail be funded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) in fiscal year 2026.
According to the MPO’s website, the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization is “responsible for conducting the federally required metropolitan transportation planning process for the Boston metropolitan area.”
Town Administrator Rob Dolan stated in a press release that MPO’s staff is “recommending that, based on the advances in design and various project development requirements, Phase 1 of our long-awaited rail trail project be advanced and that funding for construction be provided in fiscal year 2026.”
“If the MPO Board votes to accept this recommendation, construction of the rail trail can begin in 2026,” said Dolan.
Phase 1 of the rail trail, which will be funded by MassDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), entails constructing a 1.84-mile recreational trail on the abandoned MBTA rail bed from Ford Avenue by Lynnfield Middle School to Nichols Lane in Peabody.
“The town is currently finalizing the design and permitting steps necessary to comply with MassDOT’s funding requirements,” said Dolan.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Director John Scenna recently informed the Select Board that three warrant articles pertaining to the rail trail will be headed to Spring Town Meeting on Tuesday, April 29. One of the warrant articles will request Spring Town Meeting to dedicate an unused portion of land on a portion of Lynnfield Middle School property adjacent to the athletic fields that would be used to access the rail trail.
A separate warrant article will pertain to the permanent LMS easement as well as temporary easements for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 127 Summer St., and another property located at 130 Summer St.
The third warrant article will request Spring Town Meeting to accept a portion of Ford Avenue that has not been accepted as a public way as a public way.
Dolan said Stantec Consultants, Inc. representatives discussed the rail trail during the Conservation Commission’s March 19 meeting. The ConCom voted to continue the discussion to its April meeting.
Stantec Consultants, Inc. Project Engineer Joe Rubino recently informed the Select Board that Phase 2 of the rail trail, which would go from Ford Avenue, through Reedy Meadow via an elevated boardwalk and end at Fosters Lane in Wakefield, is headed back to the drawing board.
“That project is going to be required to go back through the project initiation and scoping process,” said Rubino. “It is kind of going to start at square one with MassDOT. We are also waiting for some Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection key guideline changes that will inform how we approach the permitting for that phase of the project.”
Dolan said town officials have received questions about screening from rail trail abutters.
“Unfortunately, MassDOT has informed us that their construction funding will no longer cover screening for abutting properties, contrary to our initial understanding and their representation,” said Dolan. “The project team will continue to work through this change in MassDOT policy as we approach bidding. Despite this policy change, the town of Lynnfield has allocated limited funds to address reasonable abutter concerns. These funds, however, may not be sufficient to meet all expectations. The town will prioritize the allocation of available funds based on key factors such as safety and security. Rail trail abutters with legitimate safety and security concerns are encouraged to contact DPW Deputy Director/Town Engineer John Tomasz at jtomasz@town.lynnfield.ma.us or 781-334-9500 for a discussion and site visit if applicable.”
Dolan said, “The town of Lynnfield is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through sustainable development and community-focused projects.”
“The rail trail project is a testament to our dedication to creating a more connected and vibrant community,” said Dolan.
For more information about the rail trail, residents can visit