The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and State Representative Bill Straus, D-Mattapoisett, announced on Feb. 14 they signed a contract for the construction of the second phase of a shared-use path in Mattapoisett. 

The proposed path will extend from Mattapoisett Neck Road to Depot Street and will connect to the path that currently exists heading west through Mattapoisett and Fairhaven that terminates at the Fairhaven/New Bedford Harbor. 

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver announced the $7 million contract  during a meeting attended by Representative Straus because Straus has been a key advocate for the project. 

The Department of Transportation anticipates that the project will proceed within the next few weeks. 

The project was advertised to bid in September 2018, and the bids were opened in January 2019 with D.W White of Acushnet  as the low bidder.

“A connected bike path through Mattapoisett has been a major priority for community members for many years, so it is gratifying to learn that we will soon be breaking ground on the next critical segment into Mattapoisett village,” said Straus.  “I want to thank Governor Baker for his commitment to this project. State support has been essential.”

The new shared-use path will also serve as part of a larger trail network that seeks to connect the communities of Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion and Wareham.