Rail Trail Improvement Projects & Updates

The Marblehead Rail Trail Plan is an exciting vision for the future of how this trail can better serve a growing community of users and is the basis for the Town’s rail trail improvement projects. This vision for a safe, accessible, and connected Marblehead Rail Trail will allow community members to enjoy the trail for years to come. You can view a copy of the Rail Trail Plan here.

Marblehead Rail Trail Master Plan (Nov 2020)

Upcoming Events

Recent Events

Rail Trail Public Meeting April 27, 2026 Presentation

Rail Trail Public Site Walk Listening Session

Wednesday, August 13th @ 4pm

Salem Branch – West Shore Drive to Lead Mills (Meet at 4pm),

Swampscott Branch – Smith Street to Seaview Avenue (Meet at 5:15pm)

Neighborhood Zoom Meeting

Thursday, June 12th @ 7pm

Clifton Avenue to Rockaway Avenue Improvements Project

Neighborhood Zoom Meeting

Pleasant Street to Smith Street Improvements Project
Wednesday, April 16th, 7:00 PM, Virtually via Zoom.

December 9th, 2024 – Rail Trail Design Public Listening Session

Meeting Recording
Recording Passcode: ACvz3!2
Power Presentation

Lead Mills to West Shore Drive Improvements Project

In June 2022, the Town was awarded $100,000 through the MassTrails Grant Program to design, survey, and begin permitting for a portion of the Marblehead Rail Trail, from the city line of Salem at Lead Mills to West Shore Drive. In September 2024, the Town has contracted Toole Design to continue the design, permitting and public engagement process.

Swampscott Town Line to Smith Street Improvements Project

In 2022, the Town was awarded $160,000 through the Federal Community Project Funding process as part of a larger Border to Boston Trail Award to design Rail Trail improvements from the Swampscott Town Line to Smith Street. In September 2024, the Town contracted Toole Design to begin an initial design and public engagement process.

Pleasant Street to Smith Street Improvements Project

In June 2024, the Town was awarded $60,000 through the MassTrails Grant Program to design and construct improvements to the Rail Trail from Pleasant Street to Smith Street.