Weston Rail Trail Committee Settles Kiosk and Bench Placement Before Bids Go Out

WESTON — January 14, 2019 — Weston Rail Trail Advisory Committee reaches working consensus on kiosk placement, bench sites, and a $67,000 cost increase ahead of construction bidding. Meeting January 14, the committee agreed to position kiosks near handicapped parking at both the Church Street and Concord Road trailheads — before the gate, so arriving users encounter trail rules and maps before getting on the trail — with blade-style identity signs placed at or just past each gate. Members also outlined five bench locations along the corridor, with DCR project manager Paul Janicki's preference for wheelchair-accessible paved pads at each site driving discussion of whether donor funds from Weston 300, which holds roughly $150,000 for approximately 30 named benches, would cover engineering and concrete costs. Construction estimates have risen roughly $48,455 at Church Street and $34,000 at Concord Road above the Town Meeting appropriation, but a secured $100,000 DCR matching grant was cited as providing coverage, with a possible additional tranche available if spent before June 30, 2019.