Mattapoisett Rail Trail      

The Mattapoisett bike path is just a link in a very long chain of planned bike paths.  The projects described in this section represent some of the most significant regional intermodal transportation efforts proposed in the SRPEDD area. Some of these projects have been in the public eye for a decade or more. Some are the product of intense state and local planning and engineering studies, while others have existed, as ideas, since the 1970's. All are at various stages of development, funded through various sources (Federal Highway, MassHighway, ISTEA, etc.) for either design or construction in the near future. If realized, these projects would link two states, three counties, and more than 12 municipal centers. These projects would also provide major east-west and north-south bicycle routes, paths, and lanes in the SRPEDD area.

Fairhaven-Mattapoisett-Marion Rail Trail — This trail, on the former Old Colony Rail and Penn Central Right-Of-way. This rail-to-trail and on-road mix, when completed, will provides bicycle (and equestrian) links between the three town centers and the Fairhaven waterfront area. This trail will also provide a potential link for proposed local projects in Wareham and New Bedford.  

Fairhaven  Opened its initial 3.5-mile segment in November 1998.  Fairhaven has also completed an extension of this main trail via a spur from Sconticut Neck to the Little Bay Conservation Area and back to the main trail.  The trail connects to the first segment on Mattapoisett's trail.   

To Learn more about the Phoenix Rail Trail in Fairhaven click on this link: 

http://www.nbwclub.org/announcements/Matta_bikepath/phoenix_trail.html            

Mattapoisett has completed Phase 1A from the Fairhaven town line to Mattapoisett Neck Road.  The project is currently working towards a 25% design for  Phase 1 b, which when completed will connect Mattapoisett Center to Fairhaven via a scenic route along Mattapoisett harbor and across the Mattapoisett River.  The total proposed route is 4.5 miles of on and off-road trail that will connect to Marion’s bike path. The trail utilizes the Penn Central Railroad right-of-way from the Fairhaven town line to the Marion town line. A future spur connecting the bike path to Old Rochester Regional Junior and Senior High School would follow completion of Phase 2.

Marion is in the midst of a multi-year planning effort to connect its parks and neighborhoods with the Mattapoisett Bike Path.  A spring 2003 town meeting vote approved the appropriation of money needed to acquire a key parcel of land necessary to facilitate the construction.