Province Lands Bike Trail Rehabilitation Under Way

Work was to start on the 6th of October and will continue into the New Year

Cape Cod National Seashore Superintendent George Price announced the first phase of the Province Lands Bike Trail rehabilitation project was slated to commence on October 6, 2008 and will continue until January 1, 2009. This phase will include 2.5 miles of the 7.65 mile bike trail.

The Province Lands Bike Trail is the first bike trail designed and constructed by the National Park Service in the 1960s. Planning for the bike trail improvements began in 2005 with the objectives of protecting resource areas and enhancing visitor experience and safety. The project is the result of a planning process that included an environmental assessment, public meetings at Provincetown Town Hall and a public comment period. Price said he was pleased the Seashore received the funding to begin this important project which will make critical improvements to this well utilized and appreciated resource.  

The rehabilitation includes widening the bike trail to a width of 10 feet and resurfacing with the exception of where it passes alongside wetland areas. There will be no expansion of the bike trail into wetland areas. Wood retaining walls, slope stabilization plantings, stair construction, and minor realignments will be constructed where needed. New signs, a centerline, and other pavement markings will also be added. Beach grass and other native vegetation will be planted and a sand fence will be installed in places where sand drifts across the bike trail.

The areas highlighted in red (see map right--click image for larger version) will be closed during construction.  For safety reasons, visitors will not be permitted in these areas.

The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project analyzed impacts to resources along the entire length of the Province Lands bike path. However for planning purposes the trail was divided into five segments. Starting October 6, there will be temporary closures of three (3) segments of the bike trail to the public. Closures will start from the intersection of Bennett Pond Spur and main Loop Trail and continue to the northern underpass of Province Land Road. The closure will also include the 1.1 mile spur to Herring Cove Beach. The trail will reopen to the public on January 1, 2009. The remaining segments of bike path will be rehabilitated as funding becomes available.

During the trail improvements, it is asked that visitors enjoy the other bike trails in the area including

• The Head of the Meadow Bike Trail in Truro (2 miles)
• The Nauset Bike Trail in Eastham (1.6 miles)
• The Cape Cod Rail Trail from South Dennis to Wellfleet (22 miles)

For more information, please visit the Cape Cod National Seashore website or contact George Price, Superintendent, 508-349-3785.

Release & map courtesy of the Cape Cod National Seashore.