Holliston Upper Charles Rail Trail Right of Way Secured
The time has arrived for the Holliston Section of the Upper Charles Rail Trail. The Town has been dealing with CSX Transportation, owner of the railbed, for over thirteen years and five months. Yes, thirteen years and five months.
The closing on the property was held on January 10, 2012 and the Town finally owns and/or leases 6.4 of the total 6.7 miles of the railbed. The remaining section is planned to be obtained later this year from a private owner. The Town can now move forward with making drainage and surface improvements to support the goal of providing a multi-use, accessible rail trail that has a flat profile that makes it ideal for users of all age groups and abilities.
The project was stalled and at least $1 million of construction funding for a section of paved surface was pushed to the back of a long line of trail projects due to delays of dealing with CSX. In the mean time, The Trails Committee will seek other means to achieve the project using a stone dust surface instead of the paved trail that Milford has completed. The Town was successful in securing Recreational Trails Grant funding, available in smaller amounts, and suitable for completing about ½ mile section at a time. It is unlikely be constructed under the guidance of the Mass Department of Transportation, the method that Milford was able to secure. You may have travelled on the section between Hopping Brook Road and South Street. The initial gravel surface was installed last fall and will be improved with a finer stone dust surface in the spring. This was constructed using largely volunteer labor and equipment and purchased materials. If you plan to enjoy this section, please park on Hopping Brook Road and do not park on South Street.
It’s your Trail, Holliston...
Now that the right of way is owned or leased by the Town, it is a valuable amenity that will benefit many. It is your trail. It will be constructed and maintained through the sweat and tears of our many volunteers in the Town. We hold monthly trail cleanups and would love to have more helping hands. As you are out enjoying the Trail, please help by picking up a fallen branch or dropped piece of litter.
The Recreational Trails Grant program requires matching funding. Volunteer labor and equipment can count toward that match. Any small donation helps pay for fuel for a backhoe or dump truck volunteered by our generous donors. The Friends of the Holliston Trails group has a 501 3 C status through the Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust. Every dollar goes to the Trail. If you would like to donate, please send a check to the Upper Charles Conservation Land Trust--and note on the check “Holliston Section of Upper Charles Trail,” PO Box 654 Medfield, MA 02052. Please also Friend us on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and trail cleanup dates.
A check is on the way. This is a very valuable resource for the Town.
David Bastille | 2012-01-18 08:57:15