Welcome! Configure the map settings below and select a trail on the map to learn more.
Trails
Layers
Last Updated: 4 days ago
mass.trail.tracker@gmail.com
Segment
BFRT Phase 2D
While not officially open until Spring 2025, much of this segment is complete and regularly being used by the public in Fall 2024.
It covers 4.9 miles from the previous terminus in Concord to the junction with the MCRT.
Trails
The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a rail trail through the communities of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury (under constrction), and Framingham (planned) in Massachusetts — following the 25-mile route of the old New Haven Railroad Framingham & Lowell line. The trail has a 10-foot wide pavement with a 2-foot wide packed shoulder on each sid.The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is open to non-motorized uses such as cycling, jogging, walking, rollerblading, and skiing.
Timeline
May 2025
Ribbon cutting and finishing touches planned for Spring 2025
March 22, 2022
A Sudbury Town Meeting votes overwhelmingly in favor of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail 4 times. For Phase 2D (north of Mass Central Rail Trail), an acquisition of land (requiring 2/3rds approval), a grant of easements , and Community Preservation Act design and construction funding. For Phase 3 (south of Mass Central Rail Trail), Community Preservation Act design and construction funding. The Sudbury Select Board also supports all 4 articles.
September 12, 2020
Sudbury voters, dissatisfied with the lack of progress by the Sudbury government after many votes in favor of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Sudbury, vote to demand expediting the completion of Phase 2D. The Sudbury Select Board takes no position.
Petitioner Len Simon notes that all six BFRT towns north began their designs and completed construction on schedule. Sudbury created the Rail Trail Conversion Advisory Committee 16 years ago. Notes typical design takes 2-2.5 years but in Sudbury design took 6 years and is still not yet complete.
2004
In opposition to the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, "Sudbury Citizens for Responsible Land Stewardship" forms. They contribute to the slowing of the process of building the BFRT, which is significant.
However, the citizens of Sudbury vote in favor of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail at every opportunity (at least 25 unique, positive Town Meeting or Ballot votes for the BFRT from 2005-2024, some requiring 2/3rds approval, and 0 negative votes). Eventually, this anti group disbands.
June 1985
Inspired by the success of the Cape Cod Rail Trail built by 1980, State Representative from Chelmsford, Bruce N. Freeman, attends the first formal meeting to discuss creation of a recreational trail along the abandoned Penn Central railroad line from Industrial Avenue in Lowell to South Sudbury. At this time, the trail was proposed as the "Lowell-Sudbury Rail Trail".