Wynn Resorts to Fund Study for Walkway Over Mystic River

Photo Credit: Wynn

Wynn Resorts announced Wednesday it will pay the Department of Conservation and Recreations $250,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a walkway over the Mystic River, advancing Wynn’s previous commitment to create a pedestrian-friendly link to existing neighborhood attractions and public transportation options.

The DCR will assess the viability and cost of a pedestrian and bicycle path that would span the approximate 500-foot width of the waterway and connect the $1.7 billion Wynn Resort in Everett and adjacent Gateway Center with the rapidly expanding Assembly Row and new Assembly MBTA Orange Line station.

The bridge would also create a vital connection of the expanding networks of bike routes on both sides of the river, facilitating extensive new commuting and recreational opportunities.

“We’re certainly very supportive of any solution that would turn drivers to and from our site into walkers or cyclers,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Wynn Everett. “When you are at the site and realize how close we are to the new Assembly MBTA Orange Line and the developments across the water, it makes perfect sense. It completely aligns with the $7.4 million in subsidy that Wynn is providing to enhance the use of the Orange Line.”

A conceptual study of a walkway was previously conducted by the DCR prior to Wynn’s interest in the site. This new study will take a more detailed approach to the connector and reflect the impact of the new Assembly MBTA Orange Line Station and Wynn’s 33-acre five-star resort that will employ 4,000 people.

The study is expected to be completed in 2016.