About the Everett-Somerville – Mystic River bicycle pedestrian bridge

The Mystic River Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge will create a safe, direct, and fully accessible connection between Somerville and Everett, linking regional paths, neighborhoods, and key destinations on both sides of the river.

Project goals

• Improve regional mobility by closing a critical gap in the shared-use path network, connecting the Harbor Harborwalk, Draw Seven Park, and the Northern Strand and Mystic River Greenways.
• Enhance safety and accessibility for people walking, rolling, and biking with a fully separated, ADA-compliant bridge designed for all ages and abilities.
• Support mode shift and sustainability by encouraging walking and cycling as viable alternatives to driving.
• Advance public-realm and environmental quality through thoughtful landscaping, lighting, and restoration of the riverfront edge.
• Foster connectivity and economic vitality by linking residential, recreational, and employment centers in the surrounding communities.

Project components

The Mystic River Bike and Pedestrian Bridge project includes several integrated design elements that together deliver a seamless and attractive crossing experience:

• Signature River Span – A new steel and concrete bridge extending across the Mystic River, providing generous space for two-way bicycle and pedestrian travel and maintaining navigation clearances for river traffic.
• Shared-Use Path Connections – Continuous, ADA-accessible paths connecting to existing multi-use trails and parklands, including the Harborwalk at Encore Boston Harbor and Draw Seven Park in Somerville.
• Landscaped Approaches and Plazas – New seating areas, lawn space, native and ornamental plantings, and brick-paved plazas designed to blend with adjacent parks and public spaces.
• Lighting and Wayfinding – Energy-efficient lighting and clear signage to improve visibility, comfort, and safety for users day and night.
• Drainage and Environmental Enhancements – Reconstruction of seawall and shoreline features, stormwater improvements, and use of coastal seed mixes to stabilize soils and enhance ecological value.