Friends of Rail Trail Asking for Public's Help for Handicapped Accessibility

The Friends of the is looking for donations to help make the trail handicapped accessible.

Cindy McLain of th Friends said the town has agreed to install two handicapped openings in the trail at the request of local businesses. The openings will be in the section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail between and Chelmsford Street - with one opening will be at on Chelmsford Street and the other opening at on Fletcher Street. The openings will allow trail users to access businesses from the trail without climbing over the railings, she said.

The town received a bid of $5,200 for this job but does not have the money to undertake the work, McLain said. The Chelmsford Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will use contributions made to the Town’s BPAC Fund for this work. The Chelmsford Disabilities Commission, Zesty’s, and Subway have all contributed.

McLain said $1300 has been raised so far. The Friends still need $3900 and the Friends have agreed to match all contributions.

The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail have agreed to match future donations to the town for this purpose.

McLain said the installations will make Chelmsford Center businesses more accessible from the trail, and for walking, biking and those in wheelchairs.

Checks may be made payable to:

Town of Chelmsford
50 Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Memo: BPAC-BFRT access to businesses