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.