Feasibility Study Says Dedham Rail Trail Could Cost Over $2.8 Million

DEDHAM, MA — The Dedham Rail Trail project will cost nearly $3 million, according to a study.

Released last week, the Dedham Rail Trail feasibility study concluded that the Heritage Rail Trail from East Street to the Quincy Street Extension along the original rail corridor, including an underpass at Mount Vernon Street and a bridge at River Street, will cost about $2,875,000. The price does not include lighting or a bridge to connect the trail with the Gonzales Athletic Complex, which cost $550,000 and $3.1 million each. The town is exploring grant funding as well as including of the project in MassDOT's Transportation Improvement Program.

"The best implementation strategy includes a phased approach to construction. 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 feasibility study notes.

The concept of a rail trail has been polarizing in town. While some are supportive of a 1.3-mile walking and bike trail, others find the concept to be too expensive.

A hearing on the feasibility study is scheduled for June 13 at Dedham Middle School.

Below is the full feasibility study:

2017 Dedham Heritage Rail Trail by DanLibon on Scribd

Image via Dedham Heritage Rail Trail Feasibility Study