Marblehead Celebrates Smith Street Rail Trail Crossing Project Grand Opening

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Marblehead municipal and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally celebrate the completion of the Smith Street Rail Trail Crossing Project.

The project adds a newly constructed, 650-foot section of the Rail Trail with the path widened to 11 feet where possible and a 2-foot section of grass on each side of the trail for increased visibility and passing.

The project also implemented green stormwater infrastructure and grading to reduce water pooling on the trail and removed tripping hazards.

The project built upon the pedestrian crossing improvements that were completed at Pleasant and Smith Streets in December 2022.

The trail now improves the safety and accessibility for residents and community members. The trail also helps promote and encourage participation in walking and biking.

Marblehead Conservancy Chair Don Morgan, Sustainable Marblehead Chair Elaine Leahy, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, and Select Board Chair Dan Fox delivered remarks during last week's ceremony.

"We are proud to deliver this showcase project, which reflects Marblehead's commitment to safe, accessible, and connected spaces," Kezer said. "With support from our community partners and state
and federal funding, the Rail Trail now serves as a model for modern, inclusive infrastructure that enhances quality of life for all residents."

MassTrails Regional Planner Cynthia Nelson was also in attendance.

A$60,000 MassTrails grant and America Rescue Plan Act funds were used for the $143,395 project.

The Rail Trail connects residents to schools, conservation areas, civic spaces, and downtown Marblehead.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)