Written by Caleb Kussmaul
It’s been almost a year since our last check-in on the slime mold of pedestrian infrastructure spreading through our backyard. Despite some federal funding cuts, it’s still creeping along, about as unstoppable as the steam engines whose tracks are being repurposed (plus their trolley, aqueduct, and power-line siblings).
If you weren’t around 46 Tuesdays ago (welcome!) – you can check out the original post here for context: https://highlandcitystriders.org/2024/10/15/major-trails-for-running/
The big news since then is that the two large dotted sections on the map are no longer dotted! The MCRT and BFRT both just got their final pavement through the Sudbury intersection (and further, in MCRT’s case). Individually they’re great, but Bryan’s epic 22 mile triple trail triangle here: https://strava.app.link/EfIwrvNYjWb is quite possibly the ultimate way to take it all in if you’re up for the challenge. Additionally down in Waltham, 2 of their 3 critical bridges are (basically) done.
But are they “open”?
It’s tempting to look for a single, special day where sections like these are considered “done” – but in reality progress comes in many stages and trails can often be enjoyed at various points along the way, from being an “unimproved” unofficial path all the way through to having every last mural painted. Sudbury still posts a “use at your own risk” disclaimer but if Waltham is any guide, that disappears about a year after everyone’s already using it. General rule: don’t hop fences or block work crews. That said, I once held up a steamroller operator for 20 minutes in Chelmsford talking bike upgrades 🤷.
For real-time MCRT updates, Ben Bayes’ posts in this group are always on top of it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofthemasscentralrailtrailwayside
Going West – The rest of Hudson is moving along the planning process, Clinton is actively building and planning, and Holden is all wrapped up. If you noticed Berlin was skipped there – that’s because we (the newly formed Berlin Trail Trust) need your help! We actually have a monthly meeting TONIGHT (9/2) at 6PM in Room 218 at the Berlin town offices. You’ve read this far – you’re clearly interested!
