Phase 1

Inside

Proposal - Phase 1

Trail_Map_Phase_1_and_2.gif (6657 bytes)

Location/View

Benefits

see also Phase 2

Location/View

chestnutst.jpg (14251 bytes) The first phase of the project will develop the 2-mile section of CSX railbed between Cross Street (Phillip 66 Station on Rte 16) and the Hopping Brook industrial park. The trail parallels Rte 16, passing behind Village Plaza, across Chestnut Street (nice view of the farm, see picture at right), and southwestward towards the Milford town line.

This section has been cleared of track and railroad ties, and currently sees limited use by walkers, mountain bikers, cross country runners. Paving the railbed and restricting use to non-motorized vehicles will reduce noise levels for neighbors, create a safe place for family exercise, and extend the useful season for outdoor recreation (see after view below).

Before Phase 1	After Phase 1

Benefits

Anticipated benefits include both ecomonic and social factors, as summarized below.

Economic	Based on the Upper Charles Feasibility Study (MAPC 1997), the 27 miles of the total trail could generate from $10,064 to $27,676 per day on a weekend day. Given the Phase 1 section within Holliston is 2 miles, the trail could generate a range from $800 to $2,000 per weekend day when the trail is fully established. The full amount of this benefit, however, would not be realized until the trail is fully established. The route passes the downtown section of Holliston as well as access to the Village Plaza.
Safety	The Trail provides a very important benefit to the Town with respect to a safety. The Trail provides for a safe route for riding of bicycles, roller-blading and walking. The Town has very few areas to safely ride bicycles since its roads are heavily traveled and contain narrow dangerous roadways.
Links	The Trail provides the opportunity for a safe route that links various conservation lands, including Wenakeening Woods, Mission Springs Recreation Area, and the Weston Pond Recreation Area.
Scenic	The Trail passes through scenic forest, marsh, and farm land, including a number of historic cattle passes used to ensure the safe passage of cattle across the rail during its hayday.