BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION BREAKS GROUND ON SECOND PHASE OF BRUCE FREEMAN RAIL TRAIL

BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION BREAKS GROUND ON SECOND PHASE OF BRUCE FREEMAN RAIL TRAIL

BOSTON – Thursday, June 25, 2015 – MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack joined elected officials and supporters today to celebrate the groundbreaking for Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. When completed, the Rail Trail will be located through the communities of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, and Framingham, following the 25-mile route of the old New Haven Railroad Framingham & Lowell line.  Phase 2A of the Rail Trail project will pass through Westford, Carlisle, and Acton ending at a location just north of Route 2.

“Recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as the fourth most Bicycle Friendly State, Massachusetts’ many cycling initiatives demonstrate our commitment to providing recreational transportation alternatives and healthy living initiatives in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Expanding the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will continue that commitment and help to strengthen the quality of life for the families and neighbors in the region and across Massachusetts.”

“The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail stands as the model for how community engagement and innovative thinking can result in the conversion of a rail bed into an active transportation corridor,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.  “I want to thank the municipal leaders and advocates along the corridor communities for their efforts and congratulate them for reaching this major milestone.” 

“It’s exciting to celebrate this project milestone for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail as we gather here for the groundbreaking today,” said Stephanie Pollack, MassDOT Secretary and CEO.  “MassDOT has been working toward incorporating sustainability into all of its activities, from strategic planning to project design and construction to system operation, for one goal: to deliver better services.  By working to expand the Rail Trail to Westford, Carlisle, and Acton, MassDOT is showing our support for multi-modal uses such as cycling, jogging, walking and rollerblading.”

The Bruce Freeman Trail is open to multi-modal non-motorized uses such as cycling, jogging, walking and rollerblading.  In August 2009, Phase 1 of the shared-use path connecting Lowell, Chelmsford, and Westford was completed.  Phase 2A which is comprised of just approximately five miles from Westford, Carlisle, and Acton was advertised in September 2014 and construction is set to begin in July.

“The next phase of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a testament to the advocacy efforts of MassDOT, rail trail and bicyclist enthusiasts, municipal officials, and town staff who have dedicated a great amount of effort to make these rail trails a reality,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “More and more, rail trails are not just a way for people to get outdoors and exercise, but it’s also a quality of life issue for communities and an alternative mode of transportation for people to get to work or to the train.”

“I’m very excited about the groundbreaking for Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail into Acton,” said Representative Jennifer Benson. “I know the people of Acton and the surrounding towns are looking forward to using the Rail Trail.  Once it’s completed, it will be a wonderful addition to the community.”

For Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail project, the estimated construction cost for the 4.8 mile stretch of the Rail Trail is $10.5 million.  With an anticipated completion date of fall 2017, the multi-modal trail is expected to be open for public use in the communities of Westford, Carlisle, and Acton.