Rail Trail Committee

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:  
  • 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.