The Northern Scenic Greenway (NSG) is a proposed 9.8 mile (primarily) off road multi-use path routed through Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford. This segment fills a key gap in the South Coast Bikeway by connecting New Bedford and Fall River, the two largest cities in southeastern MA, both of which have completed pathways. Three municipalities are collaborating to address the pre-25% engineering phase of development, so that they may each then secure funding for final design and construction.
When finished, the Northern Scenic Greenway (NSG) will close one of the remaining gaps in the South Coast Bikeway and provide access to thousands of recreation and conservation acres in its vicinity. It will benefit residents and visitors in search of safe, accessible, multi-use paths in high value areas that lack such amenities. It is an alternative to the busy on-road waterfront bicycling routes in the southern parts of these three municipalities. The NSG will expose users to the villages and terrain north of Route 195, bringing historical awareness, healthy and environmentally responsible recreation, natural beauty, and economic development to an underserved area adjacent to several Environmental Justice census tracts.
The route is an efficient but low-traffic east-west route between major cities and potentially connects to the New Bedford Industrial Park. The route parallels Interstate 195 but has road connections under or over that highway to the developed areas near Route 6 and points south. Connections to the north include access roads to extensive conservation lands and the headwaters of the Watuppa and Copicut Reservoirs, as well as Westport and Acushnet Rivers. The roads to the north connect to gravel roads and mountain biking paths, popular recreational activities.
The “Closing the Gap” study details the many benefits of routing a roadside path in this area. That report highlights the proximity to conservation lands, safety due to lower traffic levels, and historic interest associated with Colonial and Native American times. Residents and Visitors to this area of the South Coast, whose population totals 240,000, will have additional health and recreational options when it is finished.