Table of Contents
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MBTA seeks input on Lynnway redesign
The MBTA, City of Lynn, Department of Conservation and Recreation and Massachusetts Department of Transportation are advancing the Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project, a $20 million federally funded initiative to transform the Route 1A corridor.
The redesign will prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and bus riders while continuing to serve drivers. Planned improvements include shorter and more frequent ADA-accessible crossings, traffic calming to reduce speeding, upgraded traffic signals, protected bike lanes to Nahant Beach and enhanced bus stops. The project also supports Lynn’s waterfront development and the Better Bus Project, improving travel times for thousands of riders.
Community feedback will help shape the project. Residents are encouraged to complete a survey by Sept. 22, available in multiple languages. Open houses will be held Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. at North Shore Community College in Lynn and Sept. 17 at noon at the Marblehead Library.
For details, visit mbta.com/lynnway or email BetterBusProject@mbta.com
Marblehead outlines fall paving schedule
The Marblehead Department of Public Works has announced roadway and sidewalk reconstruction this fall on West Street, Mystic Road and Florence Road. The work, approved under a 2022 Town Meeting article, will include full-depth reclamation, new pavement, upgraded sidewalks and ADA-compliant curb ramps.
D&R Paving will begin adjusting structures the week of Sept. 15, with reclamation and paving to follow starting Sept. 17. Final paving, sidewalks and line painting will be completed later in the season.
Residents should expect weekday disruptions 7 a.m.–5 p.m. including temporary road closures, detours and driveway access delays of up to two hours. On-street parking will be prohibited during work hours, and recreation equipment such as trailers and basketball hoops must be removed. The DPW warns of raised structures and urges caution when traveling through work zones. Police details will be on site.
Updates will be posted at marbleheadma.gov. For questions, contact the DPW at highway@marbleheadma.gov
Trash and recycling collection to continue
Republic Services will continue collecting trash and recycling in Marblehead during the week of Sept. 15, the Health Department announced. Residents should place items curbside by 7 a.m. on their regular collection day. Recycling remains on an every-other-week schedule.
To manage missed pickups, the Health Department provides Republic with a street list daily. Residents are asked to leave trash and recycling out if not collected and notify the department if their street has not been serviced by day’s end.
The town transfer station remains open without sticker requirements for curbside trash and recycling. The Swap Shop will stay closed during the ongoing labor disruption. Officials acknowledged that daily routes are taking longer than expected and thanked residents for their patience.
The Health Department apologized for the inconvenience and urged residents to report missed collections.
For assistance, email health2@marblehead.org
Smith Street Rail Trail project completed
Marblehead leaders gathered Aug. 26 for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of the Smith Street Rail Trail Showcase Project. The $143,395 project added a new 650-foot section of trail between Pleasant and Smith streets, widened sections to 11 feet, and improved safety with grass buffers, stormwater drainage and removal of tripping hazards.
Raffaele Construction Corp of Swampscott completed the work, funded by a $60,000 MassTrails grant and federal American Rescue Plan support. The project builds on earlier pedestrian crossing upgrades at Pleasant and Smith streets and reflects goals outlined in the town’s Rail Trail Master Plan.
At the ceremony, Marblehead Conservancy Chair Don Morgan, Sustainable Marblehead Chair Elaine Leahy, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, Select Board Chair Dan Fox and MassTrails Regional Planner Cynthia Nelson spoke about the importance of active transportation and safe, connected community spaces.
Officials said the trail now serves as a model of modern, inclusive infrastructure, promoting walking and biking while linking residents to schools, civic spaces and conservation areas.
For more information, visit marbleheadma.gov.
Patriot Spirit 5K set for Marblehead
The annual Patriot Spirit 5K will take place Saturday, Sept. 13, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Marblehead VFW, 321 West Shore Drive. Organized by Company 2 Heroes, the event invites participants to walk, run or ruck the course, with a community lunch to follow at the VFW.
The fundraiser supports veterans and their families by providing service dogs, peer support and transition assistance. Early registrants pay $35 and receive a free T-shirt. Friends, family and dogs are encouraged to join, making the race both a fitness challenge and a community gathering.
Proceeds will benefit Company 2 Heroes, a local nonprofit dedicated to easing veterans’ transition to civilian life. The group emphasizes community support and connection as part of its mission.
For more information or questions, contact organizer Ronald Knight at rknightaf85@verizon.net
Live music to benefit veterans
The Guy Ford Band will headline a benefit concert for veterans Saturday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. at The Bunker, located at the Marblehead VFW, 321 West Shore Drive. Doors open to the public for an evening of live music that will span several decades and genres.
Known for its blend of rock, blues and popular hits from the 1960s through the 2000s, the Guy Ford Band has built a loyal following on the North Shore. This performance doubles as a fundraiser for Company 2 Heroes, which provides service dogs and transitional support to veterans.
The concert follows the morning Patriot Spirit 5K, giving residents two opportunities to contribute to the same cause. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to Company 2 Heroes.
For details, email organizer Ronald Knight at rknightaf85@verizon.net
