Rail Trail News July 28 2011
Tom Connors
Developing a bike trail is a long, uphill slog through easements and right-of-way disagreements — but for residents committed to the Tri-Community Bikeway and Greenway though Winchester, Stoneham and Woburn, the finish line after years of hard work may be in sight.
According to Rep. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, who has been advocating for the project since his election in 2008, the route for the 6.5-mile bikeway has been approved and the 75 percent design is expected this year.
Tri-Community Bikeway project timeline
1996 Winchester Greenway Initiative forms
1998 Winchester forms official greenway committee
1998 Project receives $186,000 for preliminary design under state’s Transportation Enhancement Program
1999 Winchester, Woburn and Stoneham enter Memorandum of Understanding designating Winchester as lead town; hire FST Engineering
2007 Project receives $598,000 from state to complete design
2010 25% design public hearing held
2011 Winchester DPW will repair sections of route; 100% design drawings expected
The New Balance Hubway Bike Share system is coming to Boston this week!
**DATE CHANGE: New Balance Hubway will be kicking off in Boston on THURSDAY, JULY 28 in City Hall Plaza.Hundreds of bikes are still being installed across the city, ready for their inaugural ride on Thursday. There's still time to register for Hubway and recieve a 30% discount on an annual membership!
More info HERE
Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) - Survey
The grant will be used to improve approximately 2,665 feet of abandoned railroad bed and build a new 330-foot trail connection to a recreational facility and parking. Completing this portion of the rail trail will allow the use of 1.8 additional miles of trail from Lion’s Park to Rabbit Road, avoiding pedestrian and bicycle access over Route 110.
“This is a key link in the Coastal Trails Network and will provide regional access to additional recreational opportunities, tourist attractions and local businesses,” said Costello. “The Town of Salisbury has been a leader in developing its trail system, and that makes it an attractive place for the state to make recreational trail investments.”
The grant was awarded in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and includes a $21,144 local match.
“This rails to trails project provides the citizens of Salisbury a scenic and safe way to enjoy the outdoors and is an essential component to the continuing renaissance of the region.” said Senator Baddour. “I’d like to thank Commissioner Lambert and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for their support and help in moving this project forward and I look forward to continue working with state and local officials to ensure a successful outcome.”
Named for the "ghost" trains that transported wooden carriages – covered with white canvas shrouds –from Amesbury through Salisbury, the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail extends 1.8 miles west from Lion's Park. The trail crosses Cushing Street, and there are parking areas at the Bartlett Street crossing and at Rabbit Road.
East Coast Greenway Alternate Route Proposed in Massachusetts | |
| The Massachusetts Committee for the ECG voted on June 27 to realign the alternate route connecting Boston to Providence. This recommendation now goes to the ECGA Trail Council and Board of Trustees for approval. The recommendation does not affect the ECG spine route, connecting Boston and Providence via Worcester, MA. |
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The realigned route would head southeasterly out of Providence, RI to connect the historic Massachusetts cities of Fall River, New Bedford, and Provincetown (on the tip of Cape Cod) then return to Boston via ferry. Here is a conceptual map of part of this route, courtesy of the Southeast Region Planning and Economic Development District.
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A fantastic New England Summit is coming together for this fall (Friday Oct. 7, historic downtown Providence, RI). Our most sincere thanks go to these recent sponsors: Sarah Hancock (a major sponsor), Fitzgerald & Halliday, the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals, Cyclesafe, and the RI Chapter of the American Planning Association . Their support, along with our other sponsors, are enabling this great opportunity to share, to learn, to network, and to have fun with like-minded New Englanders. Here are a few handy links and downloads: New England Bike-Walk Summit website The Facebook page is the best way to keep apprised of developments, so don't be afraid to "like" it! |
-Views of the spectacular Maine coastline and up to 9 lighthouses!
-Fully supported rides and rest stops
-Hot showers
-Food and conversation
Court test possible for old rail line (Manchester VT)
Based on the counterclaim, the defendants and intervenors are claiming that the MD&G right-of-way referenced in the quitclaim deed was ineffective no later than 1936 and that the land that was formerly subject to the right-of-way became unencumbered. The defendants and intervenors are declaring that they own their respective property free and clear and are free of the impediments created by MD&G's location survey - which was recorded in 1903 in Manchester's land records - or warranty deeds or by the OMYA quitclaim deed. They are also claiming that Old Railroad Bed, LLC has no right, title or interest in the property described in the location survey, warranty deeds or OMYA quitclaim deed, and has no right to enter the defendants and intervenor's property without their permission.Wachusett Greenways to receive Massachusetts Recreational Trail grant
Sen. Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester) and Rep. Kimberly N. Ferguson (R- Holden) announced this week that Wachusett Greenways has been awarded $50,000 to complete additional work on the Mass Central Rail Trail, a project that has become an ongoing labor of love for the group of volunteers working tirelessly over the years to connect the communities in the Wachusett area through accessible, scenic recreational trails.Hopkinton, Holliston get money for trail repair
Holliston is getting $49,952 for work on the portion of the Upper Charles Rail Trail owned by the town, from South Street to Hopping Brook Road. Holliston applied for the funds last November, said Robert Weidknecht, chairman of the Holliston Trails Committee.Hopkinton is getting $17,525 to install erosion deterrents, including drain pipes and gravel, at the Hopkinton Center Trail.Holliston and Hopkinton will receive the money through the recreational trails program, state Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, and state Rep. Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston, have announced. Additional article HERE
Please save Wednesday, October 12, 2011on your calendar for Moving Together 2011, MassDOT’s annual statewide bicycling and walking conference.
A reliance on federal aid may not be a realistic approach in a budget-constrained future.
Like it or not, U.S. transit agencies are incredibly reliant on the federal government when it comes to funding their capital needs. In Chicago, for instance, over half of funds expected to pay for new capital investments over the next five years are supposed to be handed in from Washington. Every major city around the country relies on aid from D.C. for the purchase of new buses and trains, the maintenance of existing infrastructure, and the construction of new rights-of-way.
Milford Trail Nearing CompletionIn recent weeks, a contractor working on the segment of the Milford Upper Charles Trail that ends at the Hopkinton line has made visible progress. Photos here