Background

This 2.25 mile-long path along Wauwinet Road will connect the Polpis Road Path with various neighborhoods, conservation properties, and gatehouse access to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge and Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge. The project aims to improve safety, promote active transportation, provide better access to conservation lands and beaches, and complete another recommendation of the 1977 Bikeway Master Plan. A safer and more connected community benefits everyone.

This project supports the Select Board’s Strategic Plan Goal to “shift the commuter mode of choice from driving alone and promote the use of other modes of transportation and their safe interaction with one another.” Funding for design and construction was awarded from three separate Federal Land Access Program grants ($2.4 million total) with supplemental funding authorized at the 2023 Annual Town Meeting ($4.6 million).

Alternatives for the path’s alignment is currently being evaluated through staff review and public outreach. Once a preferred alternative is selected by the Nantucket County Commissioners, then final design, permitting, and easement acquisitions will be begin with a construction timeline to be determined as permitting progresses.