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.