Progress on Gap in Cape Cod Rail Trail
Town Council
Why it matters: Barnstable represents one of the largest gaps in the partially complete 88 mile shared-use bike path from Woods Hole to Provincetown. Completing Phase 4 would link existing trails in Yarmouth and Sandwich.
State of play: At the March 12th meeting, Town Engineer Griffin Beaudoin updated the council on the Cape Cod Rail Trail progress in Barnstable. Phase 3, a 4 mile, $16 million stretch from Yarmouth to the Mary Dunn/Independence Drive intersection is under construction now by Lawrence Lynch Corp. This section contains a complex bridge over Willow Street which is expected to be completed in February 2031. Phase 4, from Mary Dunn to the Sandwich town line, is in the planning phase.
By the numbers:
$77 million: current construction cost estimate for Phase 4 in 2026 dollars.
$900,000: Mass Trails grant funding secured for initial design work, including route surveying.
10 miles: the Phase 4 route runs from Independence Drive down Attucks Lane, over Route 132 via a new bridge, and along the Service Road into Sandwich.
What they’re saying: “We are absolutely anticipating state funding for this construction … however communities, municipalities are ultimately responsible for getting the project ready,” Town Engineer Beaudoin told the council. The town must cover all design costs and complete necessary land acquisitions before the State will provide funding.
What’s next: The town is targeting a pre-25% design submittal to MassDOT by the end of 2026, with a public hearing at each major design checkpoint. Construction likely won’t start until the 2030s and funding is still needed for the remaining design work. Councilors also asked staff to explore a spur near Route 132 and Cape Cod Community College to access parking and rest area facilities.
Image from Barnstable Town Council Presentation 3-12-26