All photos ©Judy Perrin
Bridge over Nashoba Brook
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
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BY CYNTHIA BAUDENDISTEL
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail was In September 2019, Concord’s 2.5-mile championed by Representative Bruce N. section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail was Freeman, who served as state representative opened — an integral part of what will be, upon from Chelmsford from 1969 until his death in completion, a 25-mile-long rail trail running 1986. Inspired by the bike trails on which he from Lowell to Framingham. How did this rode with his son and grandson, Representative all begin, and what does this mean for area Freeman championed the cause of the Lowellresidents and visitors? Sudbury Rail Trail in the state legislature during The conversion of unused railroad trails the mid-1980s. His successor, Carol C. Cleven, began with the Elroy-Sparta State Trail in introduced a bill creating a bike path in his Wisconsin in 1965. Other rail trails, primarily honor, which was signed into law in April 1989. in the Midwest, followed but it wasn’t until Today the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Congress deregulated the struggling railroad connects the communities of Lowell, industry that the idea began to spread. Once Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, and Acton. free to abandon unprofitable routes, the Two miles of trail through West Concord are railroads abandoned up to 8,000 miles of rail also open. The bridge over Rte. 2 connecting lines each year in the early 1980s. Concerned the sections in Acton and Concord has about the permanent loss of vital rail corridors, not yet been completed. Future Congress amended the National Creating and construction will include Sudbury Trails System Act to create maintaining a rail and Framingham. The 10-foot“railbanking”. Railbanking trail is no small wide trail is paved and provides a provides a way to preserve undertaking and it great surface for outdoor activities inactive rail corridors for future needs your support. like walking, running, cycling, use while allowing them to Become a member of rollerblading, and skiing. So, dust be developed for interim use. Friends of the Bruce off those walking shoes, bicycle, or Today, there are more than 780 Freeman Rail Trail, rollerblades and take advantage of rail trails in the United States, make a donation, or this amazing community resource. with 53 in Massachusetts alone. volunteer your time Visit the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Each year, tens of millions of to help with trail website for information on parking, people use the trails – which clean-ups, parades, partial closures, COVID-19 procedures, span more than 21,000 miles – and other events. It’s and more. brucefreemanrailtrail.org to walk, run, bike, ski, and more. a great way to serve your community and 52 Discover CONCORD meet new people.
Signpost and garden near Route 62 Crossing
Bicycle repair station near Route 62 crossing an Eagle Scout service project by Life Scout Nolan Roberts of Concord’s Boy Scout Troop 132
