04 – When will Phase II be completed?

All of the towns except Sudbury (Westford, Carlisle, Acton and Concord) are proceeding with the 25% design of the rail trail in those towns. Experience has shown that the process of building a rail trail is a long one. The first study of the Phase II section occurred in 1987. It may take another decade to complete Phase II. If construction is partially funded with state and federal funds, funding has to be scheduled on the state Transportation Improvement Plan TIP. Funding for the northern sections of Phase II has been shifted back and forth between 2008 and 2010. Funding does not go on the TIP until planning has sufficiently solidified. Sudbury is not ready to have funding for its section on the TIP. For Phase II, the Route 2 crossing will likely be the last part to be completed.