The community connections highlighted by officials recently on the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail were quite literal as the ribbon was cut on the final portion between Concord and Acton.
“This bridge between Concord and Acton is another great example of federal infrastructure investment connecting communities, and I know many families, including my own, are going to make great use of this expanded trail,” said U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan. “The Bruce Freeman Trail holds a special place in my heart. It was the backdrop for morning training sessions as I prepared for marathons while pushing my two daughters in strollers. It’s also where my daughters graduated from their tricycles to their bicycles, and where my husband cycles from end to end every week. Our parks should be accessible to all of our families, and this expansion is a pivotal step in making that a reality.”
Construction of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, named after the late state representative Bruce N. Freeman, began in 2009. Once fully complete, the trail will span 25 miles along the former rail corridor from Route 3 in Lowell to Route 9 in Framingham. Trahan secured this funding through the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November 2021, with $9.1 million allocated to the bridge across Route 2.
“Today marks a momentous occasion for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, as another portion is opened in Acton and Concord, bringing us closer to former state Rep. Freeman’s vision of a recreational trail stretching from Lowell to Sudbury,” said state Rep. Simon Cataldo (D-Concord). “Getting to this point would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of Congresswoman Trahan and the many community members who secured vital funding for the completion of this project.”
This link begins at the intersection of Weatherbee Street and Great Road in Acton and continues to Commonwealth Avenue in Concord. This bridge connection creates 15 miles of unbroken trail from Crosspoint in Lowell to Powder Mill Road in Concord. The Route 2 Bridge opened in May.
“Ambitious infrastructure is often top-down, but this one was different,” said State Senator Mike Barrett. “The vision for the BFRT emerged from the grassroots and was nurtured and brought along by local government. This is what federal and state officials love to see.”
Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt noted that transportation needs go way beyond the car.
“Soon, residents from Sudbury to Chelmsford will be able to enjoy the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail,” said state Rep. Carmine Gentile. “I am thankful for the federal and state funding which has made Phase 2B a reality. This project will reduce our carbon emissions as residents discover they can walk and bike instead of driving, and generations yet unborn will be healthier and happier for the use of this trail.”
