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Rail Trails Advisory Committee readies Mass Central ribbon-cutting, advances accessibility and outreach
Summary
Sudbury's Rail Trails Advisory Committee confirmed the MCRT ribbon-cutting for June 23, discussed BFRT signage and accessibility upgrades, and reviewed funding and outreach steps including TIP support for BFRT Phase 3 and a $25,000 maintenance gift accepted by the Select Board.
The Rail Trails Advisory Committee met virtually June 3 and moved to finalize preparations for the Mass Central Rail Trail ribbon-cutting while advancing accessibility, funding and community outreach plans.
Interim Rail Trails Coordinator Marcia Rasmussen told members that MassDOT is awaiting Fuss & O'Neill's revised access ramp design, submitted to the Conservation Commission, before scheduling construction work. She said the BFRT Phase 3 construction is listed for FFY 2029–2030 in the current Transportation Improvement Plan, which the Metropolitan Planning Organization will vote on June 4, 2026. Rasmussen also showed photos of MCRT crossing work at Boston Post Road and Union Avenue and said construction overall is progressing.
Rasmussen said she is soliciting quotes for a combined handicapped-accessible drinking fountain and water-bottle filler and has applied to the Friends of the BFRT for two ADA-compliant portable restrooms; the Friends' $25,000 gift to the town—accepted by the Select Board—was described as restricted for purchase of trail maintenance equipment. Committee members supported seeking better quotes to contain costs.
Members reviewed recent wayfinding outreach from a May 26 forum at Goodnow Library and agreed business outreach needs strengthening; Glenn Pransky proposed creating a short script for RTAC members to contact local businesses (Mill Village and Chiswick Park directories were offered as contact sources). Attendance at the forum was modest and few business owners participated in person.
On event logistics, the committee discussed the MCRT ribbon-cutting planned for Tuesday, June 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Diamond Intersection, and noted that Eversource is organizing the event; details such as who will provide customary refreshments were still being finalized. The Friends of the BFRT will sponsor a post-ceremony ride into Hudson.
Committee members also discussed safety and user rules: Rasmussen reported she had spoken with Lieutenant Perodeau of the Sudbury Police Department, which is developing 'whistle stops' at intersections, a bike bus for Noyes School students, and a community Q&A on e-bikes. Christopher Menge said he was unclear about state e-bike classifications; staff clarified that the Mass Central Trail allows Class 1 e-bikes and that Class 3 e-bikes are expected to be prohibited.
Public commenters praised the trails and adaptive cycling events and urged that ADA path designs account for equipment needs; Kay Bell asked that designers consider the large turning radius of tandem recumbent tricycles when planning BFRT access ramps.
The committee did not take additional formal votes on construction or funding at this meeting. The group discussed volunteer needs for upcoming adaptive cycling events and next steps for targeted business outreach, and directed staff to continue collecting quotes for accessibility fixtures and portable restrooms.
