The fences came down early Thursday morning and the Neponset River Greenway’s “missing link” between Tenean Beach and Morrissey Boulevard became open to the public – a long-awaited connection to the overall recreational greenway that now provides an 8.2 mile uninterrupted ride or walk from the Neponset River trails to South Boston.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has been working on the “missing link” project from Tenean Beach to Morrissey Boulevard for two years and hoped to open it earlier in the spring. Supply issues from the railing manufacturer due to hurricanes last fall caused delays, but just ahead of the Independence Day holiday, the agency pulled back the fences – confirming to The Reporter that the public was welcome.

“We are thrilled to open the new extension of the Neponset River Greenway to the community ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “With critical input and support from local residents, the City of Boston, local delegation, and the Neponset River Watershed Association, DCR worked with MassDOT to transform an underutilized highway right-of-way into a park and shared-use path that connect residents and families with the nearby waterfront, transit, retail destinations and schools in a way that is safe, convenient and green. This project represents our commitment to improving the lives of our residents by providing them with safe and equitable access to recreation and open space, while protecting and enhancing our natural resources.”

Two bicyclists trying out the new section of the Neponset River Greenway on Thursday adjacent to the gas tank by Morrissey Boulevard.

Dorchester’s Maria Lyons, of the Neponset River Greenway Council, said it was a day she’s been waiting for.

“This is a wonderful development,” she said. “The Neponset River Greenway Trail now connects from Tenean Beach to Morrissey Boulevard. This means you can ride a bike or walk the trail all the way from Hyde Park to Castle Island with very few street crossings. (Savin Hill’s) Paul Nutting started the advocacy for this project, along with the Neponset River Greenway Council and NepRWA (Neponset River Watershed Association) many years ago. Thank you DCR and MassDOT for finally making it happen.”

Nutting said he heard about the opening early on Thursday and was overjoyed, having devoted 12 years to seeing the idea through.

“I joined the Neponset Greenway Council about 12 years ago with the intention of getting this northern section completed,” he told The Reporter. “In the meantime, I’ve met so many wonderful people from all the neighborhoods along the Greenway. This addition will bring even more neighborhoods together.”

State Rep. Dan Hunt said it was important to look back at all of those who helped to advocate for the missing link, including former Gov. Deval Patrick, former state Rep. Dan Cullinane, former state Sen. Linda Dorcena Forry, former Mayor Marty Walsh – as well as the current state delegation and the Healey Administration.

“We’ve been advocating for this project the better part of 20 years and it’s great to see it come to fruition and have a clean connection from the Blue Hills all the way in town, which is exciting,” he said. “I look forward to taking my kids on the Greenway and looking at the solar array next to it and avoiding the highway.”

The entrance to the boardwalk from Morrissey Boulevard and the new Greenway extension.

The new piece of the Greenway features wide asphalt paths for bicycles and pedestrians and benches to stop and rest, with a crossing at Victory Road under the Expressway. The paths resume adjacent to the National Grid property and the gas tank – then the path opens up into a boardwalk over the water and shoreline boasting outstanding views of Dorchester Bay and Boston Harbor. A new, large viewing platform over the water next to the gas tank is certain to feature some of the best sunrise views in all of Boston. The boardwalk continues until it reconnects with land at the sidewalk along Morrissey Boulevard.

Andres Ripley, of the NepRWA, said the news was very exciting for their organization ahead of the holiday.
"We are extremely excited for this long awaited Neponset Greenway extension to be open," he said. "This amazing addition to the Greenway allows trail users to safely walk or ride farther into Boston while having improved access to nature along the Neponset...Next up is connecting the south end of the Greenway to the Blue Hills."

On Thursday morning, even though the paths had only been open a few hours, bicyclists were already trying out the new amenity.

“Love it. It’s awesome,” noted two bicyclists passing by – likely some of the first users of the trail ever.

The DCR said they still intend to host a public ribbon cutting on the extension this summer, but a date hasn’t been finalized. For more information on the project visit: Neponset River Reservation and Greenway Project | Mass.gov

A view of the ocean from the new viewing platform along the boardwalk on the new Greenway extension, which opened to the public Thursday morning.