MATTAPOISETT — Progress on the Mattapoisett Rail Trail is chugging along, with Phase 2A of the project officially accepted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, according to the Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail. The funding year for the project hasn’t been identified yet.

Phase2A will connect the existing path ending at Railroad Avenue to the Park and Ride on North Street. The town is working with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the engineering firm PARE to get the project to 25% design.

The Friends of the Mattapoisett Rail Trail will continue to raise funds in anticipation that more funding will be needed in the near future to further the project. Donations are also used to purchase amenities for the existing path.

The Marion Pathway’s design is also complete and is awaiting right-of-way review so that the town can finalize required easements and start construction next year. New construction will extend from the Mattapoisett Rail Trail at the end of Industrial Park, run along the old rail line to Brew Fish Bar & Eatery and through Washburn Park to Point Road.