Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone joined MBTA and MassDOT officials to announce funding for a community path that will stretch between Somerville and Cambridge, connecting four Green Line Extension stations.

“Today’s announcement of funding for the GLX Community Path further demonstrates our vision for the future of transportation in the Commonwealth,” Governor Deval Patrick said in a statement.

The 1.9-mile, fully accessible, lit path will connect: Lowell Street, Gilman Square, Washington Street and the relocated Lechmere stations. Once completed, the path will provide a continuous walking and biking path from Boston to Bedford.

Federal funds will cover about half of the project’s estimated $39 million cost.

“The commitment to the GLX Community Path made here today once again affirms the Patrick Administration’s commitment to healthier, more sustainable transportation options,” MassDOT Secretary Richard Davey said.

The City of Somerville is expected to purchase some of the land necessary for construction, and will be responsible for path maintenance and operations.

Construction has already started, but the T and MassDOT are still working on the path’s complete design. Next fall, an extension from Cedar Street to Lowell St. is expected to open to the public. A full-opening is slated for 2020, when the GLX project is completed.

Image via Creative Commons/Flickr