Twin Cities Rail Trail on the right path

A scenic pathway connecting two mid-sized urban centers.

That’s what residents of Fitchburg and Leominster will have to enjoy in the not too distant future.

Twenty-five years in the making, construction of the Twins Cities Rail Trail finally began last year, with Phase 1 anticipated to be completed this fall.

The 4.5-mile paved trail will connect downtown Fitchburg and downtown Leominster, running from Mechanic Street in Leominster to the Intermodal Transportation Center on Water Street in Fitchburg. The 12-foot-wide path will provide ample space for two lanes of walking and bicycling traffic, as well as emergency vehicle access if needed.

“The project is important for the communities in many ways,” said Bennie DiNardo, clerk of the Twin Cities Rail Trail Association, a volunteer, nonprofit group that’s been one the trail’s main advocates. “A paved trail connecting the two cities gives residents of both a safe and scenic way to travel the entire length, or just a portion of the trail.”

DiNardo told the newspaper the trail will welcome bikers, walkers, runners, skateboarders and others who will use it either for recreational purposes or to commute to work at the train station or to one of the many businesses within a few hundred feet of the trail.

Contractor J.H. Lynch & Sons launched Phase 1 of the project in August, clearing brush and trees along the abandoned CSX rail bed between the Fifth Street bridge in Fitchburg and Carter Park in Leominster, which runs parallel to Route 12, as well as paving a long stretch of the trail.

The tentative construction schedule for the remainder of the winter includes installing a bridge behind LongHorn Steakhouse the first week of February and a bridge over Route 2 during the last week of February, subject to weather conditions and the pandemic.

We’re reminded that since the rail trail’s an active construction site, it remains off limits to residents.

Phase 2 of the estimated

$18 million project, funded

We share the enthusiasm of all area residents who can’t wait to set foot on the end result of this project.

through a mix of local, state and federal aid, is scheduled to start next year, and will extend the trail at each end into the downtowns of both cities.

DiNardo mentioned that the reaction from the community to the rail trail project has been “overwhelmingly positive.” The Facebook page is growing steadily and is currently just shy of 2,000 followers.

“Whenever we have hosted presentations, hundreds of people have crowded into meeting rooms reserved at the DoubleTree in Leominster to show their support,” DiNardo said. “Both mayors and both city councils have been hugely supportive, doing everything they could do to move this project along.”

For example, last March, more than 100 residents and leaders from Fitchburg and Leominster gathered to offer suggestions on the design of the trail and to learn more about the project.

“Sometimes people didn’t believe that this project was actually going to happen,” Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said at the time. “It’s a really exciting project and one of the most unique projects there is around.”

Mazzarella gave credit for the project to former 1st District Congressman John Olver, who secured an earmark for the rail trail 17 years ago.

Fitchburg Mayor Stephen DiNatale said in addition to access to recreation and transportation for residents, he was interested in the potential for economic development generated by the trail.

We share the enthusiasm of all area residents who can’t wait to set foot on the end result of this project.

We trust all involved will continue to maintain the momentum that will carry the rail trail to fruition.