Phase 2 Update - December 2007

What is happening in Concord now?

The Town BFRT Advisory Committee voted this month to recommend an asphalt surface for the section of the trail north of the Assabet River and a non-asphalt surface on the section south of the river. The non-asphalt surface might be stabilized soil or stone dust. The Selectmen are planning to submit a warrant article for the April Town Meeting, asking for approval of the 25% design. After this approval, changes to certain design criteria including surface material will require another vote by Town Meeting.

At a Special Town Meeting on November 5 (called primarily to vote on a school funding issue), two warrant articles were submitted by petition relating to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. One of the articles would have required a complete environmental review prior to the Town’s submitting the 25% design to MassHwy. The other would have required a majority vote at Town Meeting approving the 25% design before it could be submitted to MassHwy. The Friends felt that both articles would have been detrimental to the progress of the trail in Concord, and neither article passed.

Eight Community Outreach Meetings were held during the spring and early fall. At these meetings the consulting firm, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB), presented information on a variety of topics, including standard design criteria, trail alignment, people management, bridges and road crossings, private property protections, historic artifacts, and environmental findings. Information from these meetings is available as FAQ on the Town web site:
http://www.concordma.gov/pages/ConcordMA_Freeman/index

The Town BFRT Advisory Committee is working with VHB on the 25% preliminary design. The committee has made the following recommendations: the trail should use the existing right of way for the portion of the trail south of Route 62 (Main Street) in West Concord, the trail should have a 10 foot travel lane with 2 foot shoulders wherever possible, and the design should include bollards where the trail crosses roadways. The committee also asked the consultants to identify one spot for handicapped parking near the trail intersection with Williams Road.

Other issues under discussion by the committee include the alignment of the trail through West Concord center, the crossing of the commuter rail line in West Concord, location of restrooms, the creation of a spur from the trail to School Street in Acton, and a people management plan for the White Pond area.

Who pays for the rail trail?

Assuming the rail trail meets federal and state design criteria for accessibility and trail layout, 90% of the total costs of rail trail design and construction will be eligible for Federal and state funding. The Town of Concord will pay for the remaining 10% of the costs.

How will the privacy of abutting home owners be protected?

The consultants hired by the Town will provide many ways that abutting home owners can be protected. Prior to final design, mitigation measures, such as natural vegetation, fencing and signs will be planned to meet the needs of individual abutters. This cost of the mitigation efforts will be part of the final construction cost.

How wide will the trail be? What surface will be used?

The consultants hired by the Town will be asked to provide extensive information on trail width and trail surfaces. The Town will then be able to make an informed decision on both issues.

Will the rail trail pass over any private land?

No. The entire corridor in Concord is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (EOT). Concord will secure a long term lease from EOT.

Are alternate routes to by-pass White Pond being considered?

Yes. The initial feasibility study, issued in August 2005, examined two alternate routes to keep the trail away from White Pond. The consultants reviewed these routes and determined that neither was a safe alternative for trail users. (This was later verified by state officials.) The RFP is asking the new consultant to explore different routes that might be suitable and safe for all users.

What impact does the rail trail have on White Pond water quality?

Water quality of the pond has been monitored over the years by both the state and a citizens group. Variations in the water quality have been attributed to both legal and illegal swimming, erosion of ground materials into the pond, levels of rainfall, and other sources of contamination such as animal waste and failed septic systems. Construction of the rail trail, using state of the art construction procedures, is expected to have no negative impact on the water quality of White Pond.

What impact will the rail trail have on illegal swimming in White Pond?

Swimming at White Pond is prohibited from Town-owned land. Illegal swimming is a seasonal problem and has been a problem for many years. The Town has taken actions recently to address the problem, including hiring two part-time rangers. The rail trail is not the cause of illegal swimming in White Pond, rather it has been a catalyst in getting the Town to address the problem. With regular monitoring by the rangers, and with well designed fencing and signage indicating that swimming is not allowed at White Pond, the rail trail should not increase illegal swimming at the pond.