The Department of Public Works routinely monitors the condition of the town’s walkways to ensure for safe passage. Please keep in mind that many of the Town’s walkways were built years ago, prior to laws regarding accessibility were enacted.  The Town does make an effort of rebuilding walkways in use by disabled residents to enable passage to the extent feasible. Residents who notice safety issues on walkways are encouraged to notify the Department of Public Works via e-mail, DPW@town.sudbury.ma.us, or by calling 978-443-2209. If calling after office hours, be sure to leave a detailed message as to where the maintenance issue is located.

An easement is basically the right to use property that the town does not own. Easements are typically needed for walkways where the road right of way is not wide enough to accommodate both a road and a walkway within its legal limits. When a walkway is built in that situation, the town must seek legal permission from the owner to use or improve a specific piece of the property. By granting permission, the owners let the public walk over the property on that walkway.

The easement process can only begin when the engineering of a walkway is complete and the amount of land needed is determined. Once an easement is granted, it will be registered as part of that property owner’s deed.

Typically there are questions from property owners when an easement is asked of them. The more typical questions include the issue of liability and if the property owner will be paid for the easement. The Town assumes liability for the construction and maintenance of the walkway and does not pay the owner for easements.

Residents should first read the Town’s Walkway Planning Initiative to see the process that goes into walkway consideration. Much study about pedestrian safety, road width, environmental impact, and availability of funding goes into determining walkway feasibility and priorities. The Walkway Committee Report, Feb. 2000 can also provide information about building a case for a walkway plan in your neighborhood or potential obstacles that might make a walkway an impossible option on certain roads.

General questions about walkway projects can be directed to Jody Kablack, Director of Planning and Community Development at 978-639-3387, or to kablackj@sudbury.ma.us.</P>

If you notice any overgrown vegetation, pot holes, cracked asphalt, or low-hanging tree branches on or around walkways, contact the Department of Public Works via e-mail, DPW@sudbury.ma.us, or by calling 978-443-2209. If you call after office hours, be sure to leave a detailed message as to where the maintenance issue is located.