A public information meeting regarding the next phase of the Mattapoisett Bike Path was hosted by the town in concert with the Bike Path Committee. Featured presenters were Pare Corporation members Amy Archer and Tim Thompson, who led the audience of approximately 30 through processes that have been completed and conceptual planning of Phase 2a.
Before introducing the speakers, Town Administrator Mike Lorenco took a moment to update everyone on the current status of the opening of Phase 1b, the elevated boardwalk across Goodspeed Island’s barrier beach.
“We are still working with the state on the agreement, maybe this week or by the end of April, first of May, we’ll be done,” said Lorenco.
The agreement in question is an understanding between the state and the town on which has responsibility for various construction-related matters, including materials and for how long. The walkway is complete, and for many months, many enthusiasts have expressed eagerness to get this section cleared for use. The town wants to ensure all relevant matters are addressed in the memorandum of understanding before signing documents.
Archer spoke for most of the meeting, explaining in some detail the areas this part of planning covered, including such matters as stakeholders’ engagement, wetland mapping, deed research, traffic studies, crossing equipment, funding options and advancement to preliminary design.
Wetlands will be a major component in developing a recreational pathway that skirts historic swamp areas and perennial streams, Archer noted. However, she assured the public that this, along with other matters, could be resolved to the satisfaction of the town through cooperative efforts with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Mattapoisett Conservation Commission.
Archer spoke to the need for providing replication areas to offset wetlands that will be disturbed by construction. She said an intermittent stream appears to be “trying to reconnect” with a swampy area, “…we are most concerned about that.” Thompson stated that “drainage design will be critical.”
While more clarity may be needed on what properties have sewer or railroad easement right or the need to work with residents in taking some areas for the pathway, Archer believed most of those issues were resolved or would be resolved soon.
Archer then spoke to the need for crossing Route 6 to traverse from the south side to the north side and onward through the Holy Ghost Grounds and Park Street to North Street at the state-owned parking-and-ride lot across the road from Industrial Drive.
Traffic studies have been completed to help in determining the best and safest place to have walkers and cyclists cross the busy state highway. Included in the study were types of traffic signals, everything from simple signage to rapid-flashing beacons to overhead pedestrian hybrid beacons.
Regarding stakeholder engagement, Archer said meetings have been held with the towns, police and fire departments, Conservation Commission, Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail and the Mattapoisett Bike Path Committee.
The crossing at Route 6 where Railroad Avenue intersects will require cooperation and coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, she said. Archer did not touch on engagement with private-property owners abutting the proposed route that the bike path will take.
On the topic of funding a project of this scope, Archer said a variety of grants should be sought such as MassDOT’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), MassTrails, Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) and Safe Streets for ALL (SS4A.)
The conceptual plan currently has road crossings at Acushnet Road, Park Street, Route 6, and North Street. Soft “S-curves” are also planned to slow cyclists as they advance towards some crossings.
The Capital Planning Committee, which is now tracking bike path related financial needs, has listed on the latest 10-year plan spread over the next four fiscal cycles a sum of approximately $5,000,000 for the construction of Phases 2a and b, all paid for with special grants. There is no indication on the Capital Plan spreadsheet if the residents will be required to provide any matching dollars for grant funding sought and received.
To view the full meeting, visit Mattapoisett.net.
Mattapoisett Bike Path Committee
By Marilou Newell