Estimate Has Dedham Rail Trail Cost at Over $2.8 Million

DEDHAM, MA — The overall cost to bring a rail trail to Dedham has an estimated cost of over $2.8 million, according to a new study released by the town.

Created by Weston & Sampson, the "Heritage Rail Trail Feasibility Study 2016" examines the costs involved with constructing a rail train that would run from Dedham Square to East Dedham. After construction, the average yearly cost to maintain the trail will be $7,500 according to the study.

The $2.8 million estimated price tag does not include $550,000 in lighting costs or $3.1 million for a bridge to connect the rail trail with the Gonzalez Athletic Complex.

The study concludes that construction should be done with a phased approach.

“By selecting smaller segments of the corridor to be improved over time it disperses construction costs over a longer period and allows people opposed to the concept of the path to see how a limited section would function as a pilot program,” the study said.

The effort to create a rail trail has been a controversial one, with the study noting that while some are excited by the potential for dedicated pedestrian and bike connections between homes and the schools as well an area for exercise, others see the costs of time and money to be too high to justify.

The Town of Dedham is seeking comments on the Dedham Heritage Rail Trail Feasibility Study that was prepared by Weston & Sampson. Please submit written comments by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20 to vleclair@dedham-ma.gov.

Click here to read the full study.