Enjoying scenic overlook on Thatcher Road walkway to Good Harbor Beach

Beautiful build by Gloucester DPW to Good Harbor Beach is seeing steady use. The new pedestrian bridge spanning the marsh little river makes it easy to linger over a sweeping November vista to Good Harbor Beach and back.

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Prior posts on Good Morning Gloucester about the marsh walkway under construction. 

October 6, 2018 snazzy new guardrails

September 12, 2018   construction begins

DPW making public works work: great marsh walk along Thatcher Road from Good Harbor Beach entrance to footbridge Gloucester Massachusetts

View to Good Harbor Beach across marsh_from the future sidewalk_Gloucester Mass_2018 June 30_©catherine ryan
back of Good Harbor Beach, framed and open views across marsh from Thatcher Road, June 2018  

Walk this way! Part 1- Pilings In, Guardrails Gone!

A new mini marsh promenade is underway along Thatcher Road from Gloucester’s Good Harbor Beach entrance all the way around to the foot bridge. Walkers will have safe access via sidewalks and a natural path.

Gloucester has been planning for an opportunity to extend safer pedestrian access along Thatcher Road for years. When National Grid scheduled replacing antiquated gas lines along the busiest and scenic stretch, Gloucester Public Works was ready to seize the opportunity with collaborative solutions sensitive to conservation. Sidewalk upgrades were built out at both ends and paused until National Grid completed its underground infrastructure work. Prior to paving, Thatcher Road will be widened slightly to accommodate a safe and scenic path. The city hoped to complete repairs and paving by autumn and is on track to meet that goal. This week crews were clearing brush. The rusty guardrail was removed and will be replaced with a new design. “It will all happen quickly now,” says Mike Hale, director of Public Works.

 

Before marsh walk _Thatcher Road_Gloucester Mass_2018 June 19_future DPW work by great marsh ©catherine Ryan
BEFORE June 2018 ©catherine ryan

Rusty rail outta here_Thatcher Road slightly widened_pedestrian safe and access_great marsh back of Good Harbor_Gloucester Mass_2018 Sept 11 ©catherine Ryan

Thatcher Road Under Construction

There’s an ideal and creative scenic overlook solution over the river that’s under construction off site. I can’t wait for the reveal! I have been documenting progress and will post various updates, fast stats and history as another impressive project moves along.

New pedestrian walkway_Thatcher Road_Public Works_Gloucester MA_ 2018 Sept 11_©catherine ryan (1)

New pedestrian walkway_Thatcher Road_Public Works_Gloucester MA_ 2018 Sept 11_©catherine ryan (3)

Gloucester’s great marsh walk will afford safer access for sweeping seasonal observation

winter, spring, summer, fall 

 

One of my favorite Gloucester motifs, Gloucester oxbow, view from Thatcher Road 

Gloucester motifs_Gloucester oxbow_at the back of Good Harbor Beach_view from Thatcher Road_2017 Februray 5©c ryan.jpg