Weston committee hears Safe Routes pilot and rail-corridor trail proposal

WESTON — February 19, 2025 — Weston Traffic and Sidewalk Committee hears Safe Routes pilot and Rail with Trail pitch. PTO Green Team member Phoebe Byerly proposed a May 7 walk-and-bike-to-school event using gathering hubs at the town green and Regis College, with police escorts at Route 20 and Route 30 crossings and a stretch goal of 25 percent elementary participation. Member Linda Nelson questioned sidewalk capacity on Wellesley Street and liability for chaperoned riders; Capt. Tom Kelly pledged Police Department support. Member Bob Cronin separately presented a multi-town "Rail with Trail" concept along the active MBTA Fitchburg line, asking the committee to endorse a feasibility study next month — funded by the state, not the town — to mirror endorsements already passed in Lincoln and Concord. DPW engineer Jason Briand said the Ash Street walkway will go out to bid in March for construction this year.