Officials Question Proposal for Foxborough Commuter Rail Stop

Officials from Walpole and some local representatives are wondering about the impact of a Foxborough commuter rail stop or if it is needed.

Last week, Foxborough Town Manager Bill Keegan informed the selectmen that the MBTA is interested in buying the freight lines near Gillette Stadium and creating a full time train platform.

The train would start in Foxboro before heading to Walpole to take the Franklin line into Boston.

Walpole Town Administrator Jim Johnson recently told the Sun Chronicle that he has been unable to get any information from the MBTA.

“I’ve reached out to the MBTA, but I haven’t received any information,” acting Walpole Town Administrator Jim Johnson told the Sun Chronicle. “It’s very frustrating.”

Johnson added that he Keegan is his only source of knowledge on the proposal.

State Rep. Shawn Dooley, who represents some of Walpole, also came out against the proposal, saying that, ”it doesn’t make sense.”

State Sen. James Timilty, who represents Foxborough and Walpole, said, ”I don’t see the pressing need at this time when you have other stations four miles away,”

Bordering towns Sharon, Norfolk, Walpole, and Mansfield are all serviced by the commuter rail.

MBTA Joe Pesaturo told the Sun Chronicle that the organization plans to meet with Walpole officials and a presentation is scheduled for next month at a Foxborough selectmen meeting.

According to Keegan, there would be eight roundtrips. Currently, the trains only runs to Gillette Stadium for Patriots games and some special events.