The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a work in progress. The proposed trail from Lowell to Framingham is divided into three phases. Each phase is being developed by the communities through which is passes and with funds directed to each phase.
Phase 1 begins in Chelmsford at the Lowell/Chelmsford line, near Cross Point, passes through Chelmsford Center, and ends at Rt. 225 in Westford. This part of the trail covers a stretch of 6.8 miles.
Phase 2 continues through Westford and goes through the communities of Carlisle, Acton, Concord and a portion of Sudbury, covering a stretch of 13.1 miles. Phase 2A is 4.9 miles.
From north to south they are:
- Westford – Phase 2A, opened April 3, 2018
- Carlisle – Phase 2A, opened April 3, 2018
- Acton – Phase 2A, opened April 3, 2018,
- Acton & Concord, Phase 2B (bridge over Rte. 2) This section is expected to open in May 2023. More information about Phase 2B is available here.
- Concord – Phase 2C opened September 27, 2019
- Sudbury – Phase 2D, construction began January 2023
Phase 1, Phase 2A & 2C are now open, more information is available here.
Download a Phase 1 & 2A Trail Map with Parking Information here (PDF)
Download a Phase 2C Trail Map with Parking Information here (PDF)
For additional information on the Acton, Carlisle, and Westford section of Phase 2, view this update.
For additional information on the Concord section of Phase 2, view this update.
For additional information on the Sudbury section of Phase 2, view this update
Phase 3 Sudbury finalized the purchase of 1.4 miles of CSX rail corridor from the CSX Corporation, from the MassCentral, just north of Route 20 to the Framingham line on November 30, 2020 This will ensure the Town’s control of the corridor for expansion of the regional Bruce Freeman Rail Trail system. Framingham is negotiating for the purchase of the remaining 3.2 miles of the CSX corridor in that municipality.
Concord River Greenway, Connector Trail extends the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail north from the end of Phase 1 into Lowell. This section of trail will be a link connecting the BFRT’s northern terminus, the 5.2-mile system of downtown Lowell Canalway trails, the Concord River Greenway and the Merrimack River Trail to New Hampshire, closing one of the very last remaining gaps in the regional 200-mile Bay Circuit Trail. View information on the Concord River Greenway Project
