BOSTON– The Tri-Community Greenway, connecting the Greater Boston communities of Stoneham, Winchester, and Woburn, is officially open to residents as a multi-use trail for walkers, joggers, bikers, skaters, and more.
The project was first envisioned in the 1980s following the town of Stoneham’s acquisition of the abandoned Stoneham Branch railroad line from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and has been in active development for the past ten years.
Stantec provided survey, design, and permitting services for the 6.5-mile continuous pedestrian/bikeway and linear park. The Greenway, funded through federal and state highway grants, and constructed by MassDOT, is strategically located to serve as a connecting component of several other planned bikeways to enhance the multi-regional bikeway/pedestrian and public transportation system.
Each community’s section of the Greenway has unique characteristics and scenic vistas with natural and man-made points of interest. The trail kicks off at the Wedgemere MBTA station in Winchester and runs parallel to the commuter rail line, eventually joining the Aberjona River greenway and crossing into Woburn. Through an old railroad tunnel, the trail passes under I-93 into Stoneham, where it runs through a 45-foot wide linear park, ending near the town’s Recreation Park at Gould Street. Rest stops throughout provide respite and opportunities for picnics.
“A multi-use greenway has been a goal for the communities of Stoneham, Winchester, and Woburn for decades and we couldn’t be more excited to bring the Tri-Community Greenway to life,” said John Hendrickson, principal in Stantec’s Transportation group. “Throughout the design process, it was critical that we worked with each community to respect their individual identities yet provide a unified design. We’re proud to have created a haven for bicyclists and pedestrians alike.”
Stantec’s Transportation practice creates the connections that get people and goods moving safely and efficiently — whether by car, bus, train, plane, or their own two feet. Across the region, Stantec has been a trusted advisor in the design and permitting of greenway and trail projects. Recent projects include the re-design of the Cape Cod Rail Trail, design of Section 1 of the Blackstone River Greenway, and design of the 11-mile Nashua River Rail Trail. Ranked among the top-10 International Design Firms in Transportation by Engineering News-Record, Stantec provides planning, engineering, and infrastructure management services that fit client needs and improve the overall transportation experience.
