Danehy Connector, Linear Path, and Grand Junction Corridor Planning

Off-road paths provide a relaxing and fun way to travel in and around Cambridge. These facilities are designed for walking, running, bicycling, skating, and for people who use wheeled mobility devices. Cambridge’s growing path network is an important part of the City’s open space and parks spaces.

Design is beginning on two new corridors in Alewife and North Cambridge. The Danehy Connector/New Street Path extends from Concord Avenue near Fresh Pond to the Fitchburg commuter rail line, and may extend to Sherman Street if use of MBTA right of way is approved. It includes a paved multi-use path, landscaping and trees, lighting, and a proposed connection to Danehy Park after it crosses New Street at a reconstructed, pedestrian-friendly intersection.

Linear Park, extending from the Somerville line to Russell Field, will be redesigned and reconstructed to engage users with the potential addition of playful features and public art.

Final designs plans are in progress for the Grand Junction Multi-Use Path, a landscaped path alongside the existing rail tracks in the Grand Junction corridor, from the BU Bridge to Somerville. The City continues to advance plans for creating an all ages and abilities off-road path along the railroad right-of-way from Waverly Street to Main Street, then from Binney Street to Gore Street. The Path will provide a continuous linear park for residents, students, commuters, and visitors to walk, jog, or bicycle. Features will include adjacent pocket parks, lighting, public art, landscaping and trees, benches, and other amenities. This project is expected to be bid in 2024 with construction commencing as soon as possible afterward.

The Path, which was identified as a key new connection in the Envision Cambridge planning process, will connect several neighborhoods, commercial areas, institutions, and regional recreational resources such as the Charles River and the Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path.

More information about these projects can be found at:

• Linear Park: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/communitydevelopment/linearparkredesign

• Danehy Connector: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/communitydevelopment/danehyparkconnector