Watertown Branch Rail Trail

The state of Massachusetts has purchased a section of old railbed in Watertown, with the intent of developing a multi-use trail for recreation and commuting. The 1.3 mile section from School Street to Grove Street was purchased from Guilford Transportation by the state EOTC, and transferred to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for development. The project has enjoyed the backing of Senators Kennedy, Tolman and Tolman, among others.

Funding exists to support the design and (so far) half of the projected construction cost. The firm of VHB will conduct the design.

However, this section of trail will reach its full potential only when connected to an existing trail. There are challenges in acomplishing this goal:

To the west, the right-of-way past School street is all but lost for trail development. However, the Charles River paths parallel this section, and provide a great potential link to Watertown Square for regional recreational use.

To the north, one track is still used for occasional 3 mph flour deliveries down past Fresh Pond to Newlywed Bakery. In May 2005, Guilford Rail systems filed to abandon service (See Surface Transportation Board STB Docket AB 32 (Sub No. 98X) and AB 355 (Sub No. 32X)). The future status of rail service is in doubt, but there is potential for shared trail/rail use.

For more information please contact Peter Brooks of the Watertown Trail Committee. There are volunteer opportunities available to make this all happen for the benefit of Watertown and the entire Boston region!

Want to armchair travel on the line? Try the pages of Paul Eestin or Vanshnookenraggen.

This project was first identified in a major planning study in 1996, as part of the "Minuteman Bikeway-Charles River Connector Feasibility Study, March 1996" by the Central Transportation Planning Staff (CTPS).

Last update: August 2005 1998 Status Update home page.