The Friends of the BFRT are assisting with amenities, such as benches and bike racks, and the acquisition of the Phase 3 portion of the railroad right of way (ROW). The rail trail will also need regular maintenance for which the Friends will provide support.More information here
The trail is currently closed to use. Safety hazards exist in many areas.
Construction is slated to be complete in summer 2009. The section of trail under construction extends from the Lowell/Chelmsford line near Cross Point, through Chelmsford Center, to the intersection of Route 27 and Route 225 in Westford. When completed, the trail will be 10-foot wide pavement with a 2-foot wide packed shoulder on each side. The surface of the shoulders will be level with the surface of the trail.
Please stay off the rail trail corridor during construction, to avoid injury from equipment, debris, and other hazards created by the construction process. Heavy equipment is used during construction and the entire rail corridor is considered a work zone.
Installation of vinyl-coated chain link fencing and landscaping is ongoing. Curbing is being installed at 56-61 Central Square, next to Old Town Hall. Adjustments were made to the plans to minimize impacts on parking.
As work progresses on the trail, it seems inviting to use but the road intersections still make use of the trail unsafe. Intersections with roads are not marked at this point and present a hazard. Temporary fencing has been installed to restrict access since the trail is still under construction.
Curbing for the rail trail has been installed between the parking lots in the rear of Village Square and 30 Chelmsford St. (Chelmsford Cyclery) to 60 Chelmsford St. (Highlights Salon). Curbing has also been installed in the area behind Ginger Ale Plaza (Bertucci's).
Installation and grading of the gravel base and installation of the binder course for most of the trail was completed by the end of 2008. The gravel base and binder course for the remaining areas is being installed during June and July. Paving, followed by installation of shoulders and work on the intersections could begin by mid-July.
The total pavement thickness will be 3 inches. Until the shoulder material is installed, there will be a drop off along the edge of the trail surface. This kind of drop off can be dangerous and is known to have resulted in ambulance rides. For your safety, please stay off the trail during construction.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rail Trail
Construction are available here.
June 12, 2009 Current Project Status
Chain Link Fence installation on –going from Chelmsford to Westford.
Planting and landscaping work on-going.
Construction of path thru Chelmsford center (Domino’s) began week of 6/22/09.
Curb to be installed in early July with gravel sub-base to follow.
Additional Information
Top course paving is tentatively scheduled for mid-July.
Gravel shoulders to be installed following paving.
Intersection enhancements/safety features to follow.
Substantial completion is anticipated for mid-August 2009.
The number for the answering machine in the Resident Engineer's
field
office is 978-256-3947. Please leave the following information: name,
daytime phone number, address (for abutters), email address (optional),
and a one or two sentence description of the reason for the call.
An email address will lead to a quicker initial response. We will
research the question and get back to you. We ask that you review the
information on the website before calling.
While waiting for a response, please keep in mind that the Resident
Engineer is working on multiple projects.
