Pare completed a feasibility study for a new path consisting of a 2.25-mile rail-with-trail facility alongside one of MBTA’s active commuter rail lines for the Town of Belmont. After a committee of residents developed a series of proposed alignments, the Town hired Pare, teamed with K3 Landscape Architects, to determine the feasibility of each alternative, addressing technical issues (ex. road and rail crossings), legal and regulatory issues, and community concerns in the densely settled community.

Pare evaluated route options; provided engineering assessments of path infrastructure (including bridges and tunnels); developed cost estimates of path design and construction; and coordinated with state agencies and advised the Town on how to proceed with design and funding via the MassDOT, MBTA, the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

This Feasibility Study achieved a level of project specification that allowed the Town to pursue funds for 25% path design.