The project was officially approved for the TIP and I am truly stunned by the outcome. This only happened because so many of you spoke up for this trail. Please keep an eye on the work as it begins because your involvement is what really pushed this across the finish …
June 23, 2021
Final supporters
Dear Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston MPO),
We the undersigned, advocates, users, and Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) strongly support the inclusion of the Sudbury and Concord: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Phase 2D project (Project ID 608164, BFRT Phase 2D) for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 construction in the Draft FFYs 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) document.
Phase 2D of the BFRT (Project ID 608164) will constitute almost 5 miles of trail including the unbuilt portion of the BFRT Phase 2C from Powder Mill Road in Concord to the Sudbury town line, and the 4.6-mile Sudbury segment from Concord Town line south to Station Road. Phase 2D of the BFRT will connect to approximately 14 miles of the BFRT to the north which is either built or under construction (Phase 2B the one-mile section dominated by the bridge over Route 2 in Concord and Acton is now scheduled to open in spring 2022).
We thank the Boston MPO for including BFRT Phase 2D for advertisement for construction for FFY 2022 in the FFYs 2022-2026 Draft TIP.
The BFRT and rail trails in general have many benefits.
- Safe transportation route to destinations, which there are many along the BFRT and include connections to the BFRT to the north and the east-west Mass Central Trail at Sudbury Station Road. When complete some connections to the BFRT include
- West Concord MBTA station
- Businesses (many small businesses, but also Crosspoint Tower in Lowell)
- Schools (Sanborn School in Concord, and Byam School in Chelmsford)
- Recreation areas (including Davis Field & Featherland Park in Sudbury, NARA Park in Acton)
- Many retail establishments (in Lowell, Chelmsford Center, Acton, West Concord, and Sudbury)
- Numerous conservation areas in Sudbury, Concord, Acton, Carlisle, and Chelmsford.
- Substitute for automobile trips
- Use of local merchants near the BFRT
- Health benefits of walking and riding
- Recreation benefits
- Community benefits including community gathering place
- Tourism
Also note, the Town of Sudbury has acquired the BFRT right-of-way to the Framingham border. The FBFRT also is working with the City of Framingham and local, state, and federal elected officials to help Framingham acquire the remaining portion of BFRT right-of-way to in the city, and thus providing the realistic goal of extending the FBFRT just west of Framingham State University. Thus, it is realistic that the benefits of Phase 2D section will be further enhanced by a future connection to the south, including the Sudbury commercial district, the Nobscot and Route 9 corridor Framingham sections.
For these reasons we strongly support the inclusion of Phase 2D of the BFRT in the FFYs 2022-2026 TIP for FFY 2022 construction.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 31, 2021
May 29, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by the way so many people have stepped up to support this trail. We are getting so close to five hundred signatures and it is entirely because of your help. If you could send the link to just a few more people today I think we might actually reach that goal before the meeting.
Reached 100 supporters
May 19, 2021
May 17, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people have added their names to this request. We are getting so close to the hundred mark that I keep checking the screen in disbelief. If you know anyone else who might care about this trail project please send the link their way so we can reach that milestone together.
249 Comments
The BFRT is a great resource for all ages - kids on bikes or in strollers to folks who want to get out but need a trail that's level and easy for those in wheelchairs or just less stable on their feet. This is a huge addition to all the towns involved.
My family and I use the BFRT almost every day. I use it for recreation, shopping, and commuting to work. And I know that many, many others are using it too - getting exercise while reducing traffic and greenhouse gases. The more miles we add the better. Please fund Phase 2D.
I've supported this for 20+ years. The 2D phase will finally (!) bring it into my Sudbury neighborhood and connect us with Sudbury business, Sudbury center, North Sudbury, Concord and beyond. Please make this beautiful and useful extension a priority.
Last year I bicycled over 800 rail trail miles around hip replacement surgery in May and knee replacement surgery in August. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail was an integral part of my rehab. Please continue the expansion and maintenance of this amazing resouce.
My husband and I are frequent users of the BFRT and are looking forward to the next phase. When built, the Sudbury line will be less than a mile from our house, making for an easy and pleasurable way to visit our friends in Concord. We can't wait!
I live nearby (1/2 mile) from the current southern terminus of the BFRT (at Powder Mill Road in Concord). The BFRT as it exists today has been a fantastic resource for safe, healthy recreation and transportation for many, including my family, between our neighborhood and West Concord. Extending the trail to Sudbury from Concord (in addition to the under-construction connection to Acton!) will simply make it that much more useful to that many more people.
The BFRT has great health value to the people in metrowest. Its value will be further enhanced with the completion of the bridge over Route 2 in West Concord. The expansion south from Concord into Sudbury should proceed without delay.
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The project was officially approved for the TIP and I am truly stunned by the outcome. This only happened because so many of you spoke up for this trail. Please keep an eye on the work as it begins because your involvement is what really pushed this across the finish …
June 23, 2021
Final supporters
Dear Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (Boston MPO),
We the undersigned, advocates, users, and Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) strongly support the inclusion of the Sudbury and Concord: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Phase 2D project (Project ID 608164, BFRT Phase 2D) for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2022 construction in the Draft FFYs 2022-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) document.
Phase 2D of the BFRT (Project ID 608164) will constitute almost 5 miles of trail including the unbuilt portion of the BFRT Phase 2C from Powder Mill Road in Concord to the Sudbury town line, and the 4.6-mile Sudbury segment from Concord Town line south to Station Road. Phase 2D of the BFRT will connect to approximately 14 miles of the BFRT to the north which is either built or under construction (Phase 2B the one-mile section dominated by the bridge over Route 2 in Concord and Acton is now scheduled to open in spring 2022).
We thank the Boston MPO for including BFRT Phase 2D for advertisement for construction for FFY 2022 in the FFYs 2022-2026 Draft TIP.
The BFRT and rail trails in general have many benefits.
- Safe transportation route to destinations, which there are many along the BFRT and include connections to the BFRT to the north and the east-west Mass Central Trail at Sudbury Station Road. When complete some connections to the BFRT include
- West Concord MBTA station
- Businesses (many small businesses, but also Crosspoint Tower in Lowell)
- Schools (Sanborn School in Concord, and Byam School in Chelmsford)
- Recreation areas (including Davis Field & Featherland Park in Sudbury, NARA Park in Acton)
- Many retail establishments (in Lowell, Chelmsford Center, Acton, West Concord, and Sudbury)
- Numerous conservation areas in Sudbury, Concord, Acton, Carlisle, and Chelmsford.
- Substitute for automobile trips
- Use of local merchants near the BFRT
- Health benefits of walking and riding
- Recreation benefits
- Community benefits including community gathering place
- Tourism
Also note, the Town of Sudbury has acquired the BFRT right-of-way to the Framingham border. The FBFRT also is working with the City of Framingham and local, state, and federal elected officials to help Framingham acquire the remaining portion of BFRT right-of-way to in the city, and thus providing the realistic goal of extending the FBFRT just west of Framingham State University. Thus, it is realistic that the benefits of Phase 2D section will be further enhanced by a future connection to the south, including the Sudbury commercial district, the Nobscot and Route 9 corridor Framingham sections.
For these reasons we strongly support the inclusion of Phase 2D of the BFRT in the FFYs 2022-2026 TIP for FFY 2022 construction.
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 31, 2021
May 29, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by the way so many people have stepped up to support this trail. We are getting so close to five hundred signatures and it is entirely because of your help. If you could send the link to just a few more people today I think we might actually reach that goal before the meeting.
Reached 100 supporters
May 19, 2021
May 17, 2021
I am honestly overwhelmed by how many people have added their names to this request. We are getting so close to the hundred mark that I keep checking the screen in disbelief. If you know anyone else who might care about this trail project please send the link their way so we can reach that milestone together.
249 Comments
The Sudbury portion of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will provide Sudbury residents with a safe and welcome alternative to auto transportation and another means of enjoying our natural spaces. I fully support Phase 2D inclusion in the 2022 TIP.
The BFRT is a great resource for all ages - kids on bikes or in strollers to folks who want to get out but need a trail that's level and easy for those in wheelchairs or just less stable on their feet. This is a huge addition to all the towns involved.
My family and I use the BFRT almost every day. I use it for recreation, shopping, and commuting to work. And I know that many, many others are using it too - getting exercise while reducing traffic and greenhouse gases. The more miles we add the better. Please fund Phase 2D.
I've supported this for 20+ years. The 2D phase will finally (!) bring it into my Sudbury neighborhood and connect us with Sudbury business, Sudbury center, North Sudbury, Concord and beyond. Please make this beautiful and useful extension a priority.
Last year I bicycled over 800 rail trail miles around hip replacement surgery in May and knee replacement surgery in August. The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail was an integral part of my rehab. Please continue the expansion and maintenance of this amazing resouce.
My husband and I are frequent users of the BFRT and are looking forward to the next phase. When built, the Sudbury line will be less than a mile from our house, making for an easy and pleasurable way to visit our friends in Concord. We can't wait!
I live nearby (1/2 mile) from the current southern terminus of the BFRT (at Powder Mill Road in Concord). The BFRT as it exists today has been a fantastic resource for safe, healthy recreation and transportation for many, including my family, between our neighborhood and West Concord. Extending the trail to Sudbury from Concord (in addition to the under-construction connection to Acton!) will simply make it that much more useful to that many more people.
The BFRT has great health value to the people in metrowest. Its value will be further enhanced with the completion of the bridge over Route 2 in West Concord. The expansion south from Concord into Sudbury should proceed without delay.
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The Sudbury portion of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will provide Sudbury residents with a safe and welcome alternative to auto transportation and another means of enjoying our natural spaces. I fully support Phase 2D inclusion in the 2022 TIP.