A Rail-Trail is a Linear Park

A rail-trail is the conversion of a inactive railway into a shared-use recreational path. Rail-trails oer a safe place for walking, jogging, cycling, cross-country skiing, or horseback riding. Rail-trails can be paved, crushed stone, recycled asphalt, or just plain dirt. In Massachusetts, there are:
More than a hundred rail-trail projects Dozens of completed rail-trails
Manhan Rail Trail, Easthampton, MA

BCRT Overview
The Bay Colony Rail Trail project is focused on the inactive rail corridor between Med eld and Needham: The entire length is 7 miles: Needham: 2 miles from Needham Junction to the Charles River. Dover: 3.5 miles from the Charles River to Hunt Drive. Med eld: 1.5 miles to Harding Street.

Stewards of the Project and Trail

The Bay Colony Rail Trail Association is a non-pro t (501c3) organization. Sole mission of the BCRTA: work with residents, ocials, businesses, and organizations to evaluate, create and sustain the trail. Speci c focus:
Raise awareness Raise funds Coordinate development Develop community sponsorship, ownership and engagement Once built: ongoing maintenance and support www.baycolonyrailtrail.org www.facebook.com/BayColonyRailTrail
Needham Junction, looking west

State of the Corridor

The MBTA owns the abandoned rail corridor from Needham Junction to Med eld and beyond. The current operator (Bay Colony Railroad) no longer uses that line. MBTA has no plans to re-instate rail commuter service not on their transportation plan through 2035. The MBTA is interested in leasing the corridor to the towns through which it travels for $1. All three towns interested in leasing their portion of the corridor.
Abandoned tracks looking west under High Rock St.

Prospective Timeline
2012
Lease approved by MBTA Public hearings with residents Work with town departments Initial fundraising to cover design Begin design work

2013 - 14
Seek approval at town meetings Sign lease with MBTA More fundraising for actual project Remove rails and ties, complete initial passable surface Enable access points and crossings

2014 - 16
Rehabilitate the bridge Add top surface layer Add amenities (benches, kiosks, etc.) Ongoing maintenance & stewardship
Looking east, toward High Rock St. & Needham Junction

Open Questions
The proposed feasibility study would address the following critical issues: The timber pile bridge crossing the Charles River Roadway crossings Surfacing options Current trail alignment and conditions Environmental matters and wetland resource areas, vegetation Opportunities for linkage to other open space assets Trail access, trail heads Parking considerations Priorities and phasing strategies for implementation of improvements
Looking across the trestle bridge to Dover