Pare completed a feasibility study for a new path consisting of a 2.25-mile rail-with-trail facility alongside one of MBTA’s active commuter rail lines for the Town of Belmont. After a committee of residents developed a series of proposed alignments, the Town hired Pare, teamed with K3 Landscape Architects, to determine the feasibility of each alternative, addressing technical issues (ex. road and rail crossings), legal and regulatory issues, and community concerns in the densely settled community.

Pare evaluated route options, provided engineering assessments of path infrastructure (including bridges and tunnels), developed cost estimates of path design and construction, and coordinated with state agencies, including advising the Town on how to proceed with design and funding via the MassDOT, MBTA, the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

This Feasibility Study achieved a level of project specification that allowed the Town to pursue funds for 25% path design. See the final feasibility report here.

Pare has been retained by the Town of Belmont for the final alignment and design of their community path. Phase 2 of the Belmont Community Path will have a connection to the proposed Phase 1 segment as well as the Waltham component of the MCRT, which was designed by Pare. Pare is working alongside Toole Design Group to update the Phase 1 design that accommodates the Town’s changing landscape and to incorporate public feedback from the Phase 2 public engagement plan.