Massachusetts Highway Department Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky was joined by local legislators, the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and others today to break ground on Phase I of the $4.2 million Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.

"Expanding our network of bike trails is an important priority of MassHighway, and I'm proud that we're able to get this project moving," said Commissioner Paiewonsky. "Creating more and better bike trails not only benefits cyclists and allows walkers to enjoy the outdoors, but also improves our multi-modal transportation options and enhances our recreation opportunities. I am truly grateful to all of our partners who have worked so hard to move this project forward for so long."

Phase 1 will involve constructing 6.8 miles of trail in Lowell, Chelmsford, and Westford. The work will include lane striping, earthwork, landscaping and other items incidental to the construction of the bike path. The project is scheduled to take two construction seasons to complete.Phase 2 will continue the path in Westford to Sudbury. Phase 3 will finish the path in Sudbury and Framingham.

The trail, which honors the late Bruce Freeman, a strong advocate, will ultimately span 25 miles and will provide outdoor recreational space and commuting opportunities for a number of communities located northwest of Boston. The project has benefited from strong regional support from the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG), the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Inc., legislators and local officials.

"Through decades of effort, the partnership between local trail groups, government agencies and the private sector will transform what was once rails of rust into ribbons of green," said Senator Susan Fargo, D-Lincoln. "The Freeman Rail Trail will connect us not only to our history but also to family and friends by providing safe public space to enjoy each other's company and nature."

"This is a complicated project that required great vision and strong cooperation amongst the participating communities - so it is historic and exciting to begin," said Rep. Corey Atkins, D-Concord.

"Aside from knowing how many people are going to enjoy the bike path for years to come, I take an added personal pleasure in being able to help fulfill Carol Cleven's dedicated mission to honor Bruce Freeman and his dream," said Rep. Geoffrey Hall, D-Westford.

"After more than 20 years in planning, and design, the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is the culmination of great effort by public servants, legislators and advocates, past and present; we are very grateful for all their work" said Tom Michelman, President of the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Inc. "Because of structural changes in the design and construction process, and great support from the Patrick administration, local, regional, state, and federal agencies, legislators and officials, we are optimistic the next phases will be constructed in the next few years as long as we, the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, do our job as public advocates of this soon-to-be great public asset."

Lowell's S&R Corporation will conduct the work.

The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail would like to thank the following for their help with the celebration: Paul Cohen, Chelmsford Town Manager; Rick Sullivan, owner of Sully's Ice Cream, for the "Rail Trail" ice cream; Flaky Pastry for the beautiful cake decoration; and volunteers Jo Morse and Elizabeth Twombly.