Sudbury task force hears rail-trail signal, parking and access updates; accepts minutes

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Task Force in the Town of Sudbury heard a status update on the rail-trail project on Jan. 8, 2025, focusing on traffic-signal certification, the federal funding timeline for Phase 3, and proposals for new parking at the Diamond intersection and on Chiswick Park land.

Town staff Marsha (staff liaison) told members that MassDOT has not yet certified the newly installed traffic signals tied to Phase 2D and that Fuss & O'Neill, the project consultant, remains responsible for finalizing items submitted for certification. "MassDOT has not yet certified the signals, so we're still waiting on all of that," Marsha said, adding that a traffic engineer should be involved if the town pursues further timing changes.

Why it matters: MassDOT certification determines when new signal timing and hardware become the official configuration; residents have complained about eastbound morning timing near Town Center, and the task force is collecting technical recommendations to share with MassDOT and Fuss & O'Neill.

On project schedule and funding, Marsha reported that Metropolitan Planning Organization staff told the town the final 50% construction funding for Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Phase 3 is currently programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for federal fiscal year 2030. She said the town will attend subregional TIP readiness sessions to explore whether the project could move up if other projects drop or the town’s readiness improves. "The funding for 50% of the construction was included in the 2029 bucket, and we anticipated, 2030 for the second phase of construction funding," Marsha said; she added there is some possibility of moving it into an earlier FFY if conditions allow.

Design status and coordination: Marsha said two of four Phase 3 items were complete and that the town met with Middlesex Savings Bank about an easement on Boston Post Road for trail redesign. She also reported a MassDOT site review with archaeological staff that identified an additional cattle passage and a request from the Historical Commission that at least one existing stone culvert be retained where feasible; one severely damaged culvert will be replaced with a box culvert. Marsha said Fuss & O'Neill is considering the historical commission's letter sent Dec. 11.

Parking and access proposals: The task force reviewed early parking concepts for parcels near the Diamond intersection and on Chiswick Park land south of the Diamond. Marsha displayed a plan that showed roughly 8–9 spaces at the small train-station area and said earlier concept plans had shown about 18 parking spaces on one of the Chiswick parcels, with recommendations that a second parcel be reserved for stormwater mitigation. "DCR has been looking at extending or expanding their paving contract…creating, you know, 8 to 9 additional parking spaces," Marsha said.

Members discussed surface materials and environmental constraints. Task force member Ken Holt raised whether spaces on Chiswick Park might be gravel or pervious surface rather than asphalt; Marsha said she is discussing gravel options with Adam Birney and that handicap-accessible spaces and the access aisle would likely be paved while the remainder could be gravel. Conservation Coordinator Lori Capone reviewed the parking concepts, focusing on wetland buffers and stormwater issues; Marsha said some parcels might be more suitable for stormwater retention rather than parking.

Funding and approvals: Marsha said the town has not decided how parking construction would be funded and that some elements might require Community Preservation Committee (CPC) or town-meeting approval. She cautioned the task force that the town may have to wait for another CPC cycle if timing does not align with the current year’s schedule.

Amenities and services: The group discussed placing a porta-potty and a hydration station near the Diamond intersection. Marsha said Fuss & O'Neill has designed a hydration station for the Nobscot Road parking location and that the task force must decide whether Diamond or Nobscot is the better third hydration site. She also noted a water main beneath the Chiswick Park driveway that could influence siting decisions.

Access and interim routing: Marsha and task force members reported a site walk with representatives from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT) to identify points of access and locations for improved, accessible parking and kiosk signage. Glenn Pransky and others described possible temporary pedestrian routing when gaps remain between the Mass Central and Bruce Freeman segments; DCR staff suggested cleared rail bed areas or sidewalks and crossings as interim options for walkers while construction continues.

Other items: Marsha reported that MassDOT-identified traffic-signal timing recommendations were compiled and sent to MassDOT and Fuss & O'Neill; she offered to share the detailed report with residents who requested it. The planning board approved removal of a 35–36-inch oak on Old Lancaster Road subject to stump grinding and replanting, and five large interpretive panels have moved to fabrication with proofs received. Marsha also said an Eagle Scout lead (Ryan Barrett) has not yet met with staff because of scheduling issues.

Public comment: Resident John McQueen of 265 Hudson Road asked specifically about timing recommendations for the Town Center signal and how it interfaces with Concord Road. Marsha responded that the recommendations were provided to Fuss & O'Neill and MassDOT and that the town is awaiting MassDOT’s certification decision. Trail user Chris Manj of 9 Third Trail noted that the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail have prepared standard etiquette signage — "keep to the right, pass on the left" — which the task force may deploy on kiosks.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Accept minutes of Nov. 6, 2024. Moved by (not specified); seconded by Glenn Pransky. Vote: approved (yes: John Dribinski, Glenn Pransky, Ken Holt, Laurie Lyson; no: 0; abstain: 0). Note: motion to accept minutes carried by recorded voice/roll call. - Motion: Accept minutes of Dec. 11, 2024. Moved (not specified); seconded. Vote: approved (yes: John Dribinski, Glenn Pransky, Ken Holt, Laurie Lyson; no: 0; abstain: 0).

What’s next: The task force scheduled its next regular meetings for Feb. 12 and March 5 and will return with more detail after the MassDOT/Framingham meeting next week and the subregional TIP readiness sessions.

Sources: Town staff update and task force discussion at the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail Task Force meeting, Town of Sudbury, Jan. 8, 2025.