New hope for rail-to-trail

The Wakefield Observer
By Gary Band
Wed Dec 05, 2007, 11:40 AM EST

As part of the governor’s $2.9 billion transportation bond bill — the state-funded portion of his $4.8 billion transportation plan over the next 20 years — Wakefield may receive a $500,000 earmark to fund the design of its long-awaited rail-to-trail project.

Starting along the out-of-use rail line across from the Galvin Middle School and extending into Lynnfield, Rail-to-Trail Committee chairman Kevin Scott says the 4.5-mile trail would connect neighborhoods and provide opportunities for new business along the way.

For his part, state Rep. Mark Falzone, D-Saugus, with whom Scott is working closely, said he is committed to finding funding for the design of this worthy project.

A feasibility study has already been completed and the old rail line would be leased from the MBTA at a cost of $1 for 99 years. And, at a construction cost of about $4.5 million, Scott said a number of state and federal funding options exist. As part of the bond bill, there are some $50 million in public economic grants available, which Scott says are known for helping towns improve their economy.

If Wakefield and Lynnfield had to purchase this land, Scott said the cost would be in the hundreds of millions. As the lease deal is with the MBTA, Scott says the trail offers, “an amazing bang for the buck,” adding that there would be near zero cost to the towns.

In addition to opening new businesses along the new trail, Scott also notes that the proposed cycling and pedestrian path would provide a safe way for kids to bike or walk to the middle school, and for residents to get around instead of driving, thus decreasing traffic.

Pointing to the Minuteman Trail in Arlington and Lexington, Scott says it one of the gems of the commonwealth and believes a similar space would be a great thing for Wakefield and Lynnfield.

At times projected to take 10 years to complete, Scott said that timeline would be disappointing. “A whole generation of kids would not have access to it,” he said. He is hoping for construction to begin within two years and take six to eight months to complete.

With the finer points of the liability and environmental insurance being worked out by Selectman Al Turco, the focus is now squarely on securing the funding.