Peabody recognizes bikeway milestone

By Matthew K. Roy
Staff Writer

March 28, 2008 05:45 am

—

PEABODY — It took 18 years for the Peabody Bikeway to become more than just a concept.

The idea was born in 1990 and matured gradually. A design was drawn up, and then the city found a funding source. It wasn't until late January of this year when workers began clearing trees and brush to make way for the path.

But it was well worth the wait, according to city officials.

"It's something that is really for everyone," Mayor Michael Bonfanti said yesterday during a groundbreaking ceremony for a path that will extend 4.6 miles, from the Middleton line to the Lahey Clinic next to the Northshore Mall.

The bikeway will unlock more than 400 acres of open space for Peabody residents, including the Norris Brook Conservation Area, the Hoover Street Conservation Area, the Crystal Lake Conservation Area, the Ross Park Complex and Brooksby Farm, the mayor said. It will accommodate biking, walking, jogging and snowshoeing.

Bonfanti thanked the staff of the city's Community Development office for their efforts in making the bike path a reality. He also acknowledged MassHighway, which is supervising construction of the path, and Hannaford Plaza and Simon Malls, businesses that granted easements over their property.

The asphalt bikeway will be 10 feet wide with a 2-foot shoulder of crushed stone on either side and is expected to be finished by next spring. More than $3 million in state and federal money will pay for it. The city is contributing $162,000 in Community Preservation Act funds.

"It's an excellent project," Ward 4 Councilor Bob Driscoll said. "It's going to entice people to move into the community."

When it's completed, the entrance/exit to the path near the mall will include a monument, paid for by the mall, that will honor Peabody residents who served in the Revolutionary War.

Jean Delios, Peabody's community development director, said caring for the path will require help from those residents who use it.

"Stewardship of the bikeway is going to be a very important thing to get involved in," she said.

But that's an issue to address at a later date. Yesterday, Delios was enjoying the moment.

"This is a great day for Peabody," she said.

Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.