September 2023 Network Meeting – “Mass Central Rail Trail” Recording

Craig Della Penna joined us for this month’s WalkMassachusetts Network discussion to share about the Mass Central Rail Trail. This is the longest and most complicated former RR corridor to reassemble in New England. Running from Northampton to Boston, it has been a 40+ year journey so far. It is the longest developing rail trail in New England. Today we have 59 of the 104 miles open as a trail. 90.5 miles are in a protected status. 12 miles are currently under construction. In two-years we are likely to have 75 miles open. https://www.masscentralrailtrail.org/ Within 150 miles of Northampton, MA lies the densest network of former steam railroad corridors in the United States. A report by MassDOT showed that the MCRT can be completed, but it begs the question: What would a completed 100 mile long walking and biking trail mean to the Commonwealth?

The session was recorded, and you can view the presentation below.

Links shared during the discussion

• Mass Central Rail Trail
• “Envisioning a Statewide Connection: Massachusetts Central Rail Trail Benefits Study“
• Golden Spike Conference 2023 – October 14 in Natick

The WalkMassachusetts Network typically meets every third Wednesday of each month at 1 pm. Register for upcoming Zoom calls at this link.

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Do you have a topic that should be discussed at a future meeting? Suggestions welcome!