Senators Eldridge, Kennedy, and Cronin and Representatives Sena and Scarsdale call on DCR to fully repave Nashua River Rail Trail
After walking trail in November, area legislators urge Healey-Driscoll administration to prioritize Nashua River Rail Trail
Acton, MA – State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), State Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Lowell), State Senator John Cronin (D-Lunenburg), State Representative Danillo Sena (D-Acton) and State Representative Margaret Scarsdale (D-Pepperell) wrote a letter to the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) requesting the DCR to undertake the reconstruction of the Nashua River Rail Trail to make it safe and functional for all community members.
There are several hazards along the 11 mile train, including stretches of washboard and spots heaved up with root damage. Legislators recently took a walk along the portion of the trail in Groton and saw first hand the despair of the trail, including numerous potholes and bumps. The lack of regular maintenance and the passage of time have left the NRRT in a deteriorated condition with many surface obstructions that impact public safety and user enjoyment. There have been incidents where EMT responses to rider crashes have occurred due to these unsafe conditions.
The NRRT was constructed in 2001, and 22 years later continues to serve as a vital recreational resource to our residents as well as the many others each year who travel to the Nashoba valley to enjoy its unique and beautiful nature areas. In other parts of the state, DCR undertakes the reconstruction of rail trails when their age and condition warrants, and we have asked that it do the same for NRRT.
“The current condition of the Nashua River Rail Trail poses a public safety hazard, and we have seen first-hand, and heard from many constituents about the numerous hazards along the trail,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “We’re asking that the DCR work with us, and the communities that we represent, to repair the trail so that users can fully enjoy the beauty of the Nashoba Valley in a safe manner.”
###
