01 – What are the proposed phases of trail construction along the entire Lowell-Framingham right of way?

Answer

Phase I runs 7 miles from Lowell through Chelmsford and most of Westford. All of the feasibility studies, design, hearings, funding and bidding are now complete. Construction of Phase I will begin in 2007. Construction for Phase I of the BFRT in Lowell, Chelmsford and Westford has been fully financed by a combination of state funds and Federal transportation funds. Mass Highway has managed the design and will be responsible for oversight of the construction contract. Phase II is a proposed extension of the trail south from Phase I.

Phase II has short sections in Westford and Chelmsford. The major portion of this phase is in Acton, Concord and Sudbury south to the crossing of the former Mass. Central line. All of Phase II is owned by the state and managed by EOT.

Phase III is a proposed extension from the crossing in south Sudbury to a point just north of Route 9 in Framingham. All of Phase III is owned by CSX, which has entered into agreements with the Towns of Sudbury and Framingham to negotiate a lease or sale of the rail bed for use as a rail trail. In addition to a possible rail trail, use of CSX land would be needed in order to make some planned improvements to the Route-20/Nobscot Rd. intersection.