Rail Trail Committee
View Contact Info
How to Reach Us
Phone:
(508) 358-7701
Address
Rail Trail Committee
41 Cochituate Road
Wayland, MA
01778
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Contacts
Larry Kiernan
Overview:
The process of converting the abandoned Mass Central Rail Line, a three-mile section of which bisects Wayland, to a rail trail has been gaining momentum since 2011 when the MBTA signed a 99-year lease with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) giving it jurisdiction over the Massachusetts Central Railroad line. Furthermore, Eversource, which maintains power lines along the right-of-way, is preparing to conduct major work to improve access and upgrade its electrical lines along the right-of-way. This will include removing the rails and ties and creating a 16’ wide gravel drive for maintenance use.
Given this activity, this committee is charged, among additional duties, with the following:
Given this activity, this committee is charged, among additional duties, with the following:
- conduct community outreach, especially from abutters;
- develop a scope of work, budget and implementation timetable; consider how the connections in neighboring communities will work in Wayland;
- consider where user parking might fit to minimize neighborhood impacts;
- consider access to existing town trails that minimize damage to sensitive ecosystems; and
- consider how the rail trail could support and enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, as well as improving access to transportation hubs planned by the Commonwealth.