The Importance of Finishing the Bruce Freeman and Mass Central Rail Trails in Sudbury

Sudbury has made tremendous progress in expanding its rail trail network. Now is the time to complete these critical connections. Extending the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) to Framingham and working with Massachusetts DCR to pave and complete the Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) will enhance recreation, transportation, and regional connectivity. Completing the MCRT connection from Sudbury to Wayland is especially crucial for creating a safe, accessible, and continuous trail system. 

The Benefits of Regional Rail Trails 

Rail trails offer safe, accessible, and environmentally friendly alternatives for transportation and recreation. Completing these regional trails will provide: 

Greater Connectivity: The BFRT and MCRT are vital links in a growing statewide trail network, offering Sudbury residents car-free access to neighboring towns for work, school, or leisure. 

Expanded Recreation: Fully connected, paved trails will allow residents to enjoy safe, scenic routes for biking, jogging, and walking. 

Builds Community: Our town’s community bonds get strengthened with each interaction as we meet friends or make friends, when possible, as we traverse the rail trails. 

Economic Benefits: Rail trails bring more visitors to existing local businesses. New businesses of different types can emerge catering to the needs and wishes of rail trail users. Other towns with completed trails have seen increased commerce, and Sudbury can expect similar positive impacts. 

Environmental and Safety Advantages: Encouraging biking and walking reduces car dependency, lowers emissions, and provides a safer alternative to traveling along busy roads. 

Completing the BFRT to Framingham 

The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) is essentially complete just north of Route 20, and the next step should be finishing the trail to Route 20 and south to Framingham. This extension would: 

• Connect Sudbury, Framingham, Concord, Acton, and beyond, making it a vital commuter and recreational route. 
• Strengthen collaboration with neighboring towns on trail completion and maintenance. 
• Provide safe, car-free access to shopping areas, transit hubs, and green spaces. 

Many nearby communities are reaping the benefits of the BFRT—Sudbury must remain committed to completing this key extension so that we may as well. 

Completing the MCRT and the Sudbury-Wayland Connection 

The Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) will be a vital east-west corridor spanning over 100 miles from Boston to Northampton. However, sections remain incomplete, including in Sudbury. To fully realize the MCRT’s potential, we must: 

1. Work with DCR to pave and complete Sudbury’s section so all residents—cyclists, parents with strollers, and individuals with mobility challenges—can use it safely. 
2. Prioritize the Sudbury-to-Wayland connection, ensuring a safe, off-road link between the two towns and increasing access to a growing trail network. 

This connection is especially important because it will: 

• Allow safe, car-free travel to Wayland’s town center, schools, and amenities, but also give Wayland residents access to our business corridor. 
• Provide an alternative to biking or walking along the often-perilous shoulders of Route 20. 
• Enhance Sudbury’s recreational appeal and attract visitors, boosting the local economy. 

Ensuring Access for All Residents 

While finishing the BFRT and MCRT is essential, we must also ensure safe and convenient access to these trails for all Sudbury residents. The recent FlashVote transportation survey revealed concerns about the lack of safe pedestrian and biking infrastructure in town. 

• Many residents do not live within safe walking or biking distance of existing or planned trail access points. 
• Without proper connections, some neighborhoods may be left out of the benefits these trails offer. 
• Future projects should prioritize sidewalks, bike lanes, and connecting paths so everyone can safely reach these trails.

By improving access, we can ensure that all Sudbury residents, regardless of where they live, can take advantage of these incredible community assets. 

Moving Forward 

Completing the BFRT and MCRT in Sudbury will require continued advocacy, regional collaboration, and community support. The town must: 

• Collaborate with regional partners to extend the BFRT. 
• Engage DCR to ensure the MCRT is fully paved and connected. 
• Advocate for funding and prioritization of the Sudbury-Wayland MCRT connection. 
• Improve safe, accessible pathways to and from the trails for all residents. 

As a Select Board candidate, I strongly believe that Sudbury must remain a leader in sustainability, accessibility, and regional connectivity. We have already made great progress in expanding our trail system—now is the time to finish the job. Completing these projects and ensuring access for all will create a healthier, more connected, and more sustainable community for generations to come.