Mystic River pedestrian bridge: what the new Somerville–Everett crossing means for you

If you live in East Somerville, Ten Hills or near Assembly Square, a big change is coming to the riverfront. The long-planned Mystic River pedestrian bridge just cleared a major step, and it will finally give people a direct, car-free way to walk or bike between Somerville and Everett.

Here's what was decided, where the bridge will go, what it costs, and what it could mean for homeowners on our side of the river. The news was reported by Boston.com; the facts below come from that story and from MassDOT's own announcement.

What was approved

On September 23, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Board of Directors approved a $78.7 million design-build contract to build the bridge, according to MassDOT's press release. Design-build means the same team finishes the design and does the construction, so both can move forward together.

Boston.com reported that another roughly $17 million is set aside for contingencies and engineering, bringing the total to about $95.7 million, and that MassDOT expects construction to take about three years. No opening date has been announced yet.

Where the Somerville–Everett pedestrian bridge will go

The bridge will cross the Mystic River between Draw Seven Park in Somerville and the Gateway Park trail and public boardwalk in Everett, next to the Harborwalk at Encore Boston Harbor. MassDOT describes it as closing a missing link where no direct crossing exists today.

On both sides it ties into paths many of us already use or will use:

• Assembly Row and the Assembly Square neighborhood
• The Mystic River Greenway and the Malden River Greenway
• The Northern Strand Trail toward Malden, Revere and Lynn
• Everett's Lower Broadway district and the Harborwalk

So yes, the answer to the common question "can you walk from Assembly Row to Encore?" is about to get much simpler. Today you have to go the long way around on busy roads.

What's being built

According to the state's project page, the plan includes:

• A new steel and concrete river span with room for two-way walking and biking, while keeping boat traffic moving underneath.
• ADA-accessible path connections, designed for all ages and abilities.
• Landscaped approaches and plazas with seating, lawn space and plantings.
• New lighting and wayfinding signs for day and night use.
• Seawall and shoreline reconstruction and stormwater improvements.

Once it's done, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will own and maintain the bridge.

What it means for Somerville homeowners

I'm a builder, not a real estate agent, so I won't promise what a bridge does to home prices. But here's what I see on the ground in this part of Somerville:

• Easier car-free trips. Walking and biking to jobs, trails and parks on the Everett side becomes realistic for a lot more people.
• More attention on the riverfront. New public spaces tend to bring more people and more interest in nearby streets.
• A few years of construction. If you live near Draw Seven Park, expect work activity at the river edge while it's built.

If you're planning a renovation near Assembly Square or Ten Hills, it's a good moment to think about how you'll use your home in five years: a home office, a rental unit, a basement playroom or a better entry for bikes and strollers.

How to follow the project

MassDOT keeps an official project page with documents, meeting materials and a sign-up for updates. That's the best place to watch for a construction start date and any detour notices along the river paths.

Planning work on your own home? Read my guides to getting a building permit in Somerville and what Somerville permits cost.

Need a hand?

I'm Mateus, a licensed builder and owner's representative based in Davis Square. If you're thinking about a renovation in East Somerville, Ten Hills or Assembly Square, book a free walkthrough. You'll get honest advice and a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.

About the author

Mateus Magno is the founder of Magno & Co — a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $3 million in projects across Greater Boston.

More about Mateus →