BCRT Overview

The Bay Colony Rail TrailProject Background – August 13, 2009

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Project Overview

The Bay Colony Rail Trail project is focused on two inactive rail corridors between Medfield and Newton:

1. The Needham-Medfield corridor is a 7-mile stretch that crosses only seven roads, and traverses town conservation land for over 70% of the distance.

2. Longer term: Needham Heights to Curtis Street in Newton, running parallel to Needham St. in Newton. Individuals from Newton and Needham are examining this stretch as a Green Line extension, recreational path, or both.

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Needham South Section (2.2 Miles)

Southwest Corridor:

Starting at Needham Junction, the tracks split from the commuter rail line and head southwest for 2.2 miles to the Charles River and the Dover town line.

From High Rock St. to Charles River St., approximately 1.5 miles, the tracks run alongside the Needham Town Forest.

Chestnut St. in Needham is an active commercial center – the rail trail would be a valuable access route as well as a destination.

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Dover Section (3.7 Miles)

Southwest Corridor:

Dover is the lynchpin of the corridor, with almost four miles of track, most of which is through conservation land, and only three road crossings.

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Medfield Section (1.2 miles)

Southwest Corridor:

In these early days of the BCRT, support has been strongest from Medfield.

The proposed trail would end at a newly built senior center, with easy connections to town properties and existing trails. This could help link together a network of trails in Medfield.

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Needham-Newton Section (1.0 mile)

Northeast Corridor:

Starting at Needham Heights, the unused corridor runs to Winchester St. at the end of needham St. in Newton.

The BCRT opportunity here depends on replacing the bridge over Rt. 128, as well as the proposal for a Green Line extension along the same corridor.

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Next Steps for the BCRT

The project now moves into its initial, formation phase. A typical rail trail project can take 10 years or more to completion.

• Formation of an organizing committee

• Securing 501 (c)(3) non-profit status

• Request formal feasibility study from State planning organization

• Negotiating rights to the real estate with the MBTA and DCR

Fundraising is a critical step in the process. • Rail trails can cost up to a million dollars per mile. However, the

Wachusett Greenways project has averaged $30,000/mile with use of volunteer contractors.

• Bridges can cost over a million dollars to repair. The bridge over the Charles may need significant work.

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For More Information and Volunteer Opportunities...

• To stay involved in the project, go to www.baycolonyrailtrail.org where you can add your name to our mailing list and participate in online discussions relevant to your town and area of interest.

• Current Organizing Committee Members• Tom Connors (Needham)• Christian Donner (Medfield)• Chris Mayer (Dover)• Chris McCue (Medfield)• Tad Staley (Needham)

• and more being actively recruited...