Community Meeting - Pedestrian Bridge Design at Broad Meadow Brook 03/26/2026

The City of Worcester held a community meeting on March 26, 2026, to discuss the design and planning of a new pedestrian bridge at Broad Meadow Brook sanctuary. The meeting focused on the bridge design alternatives, environmental considerations, and project logistics. The project is currently at about 60% design completion, with funding secured through a MassTrails grant for design and permitting phases. The preferred bridge design is a 55-foot single-span timber structure that avoids placing piles in the floodway to minimize environmental impact and reduce costs. The project team also discussed necessary stormwater management improvements and plans for wetland mitigation. Construction is anticipated to begin no earlier than fiscal year 2028, pending further fundraising and permitting. Community concerns about wildlife, trail accessibility, and construction impacts were addressed, with commitments to minimize disruption and continue public outreach throughout the project lifecycle.