WESTBOROUGH – Those wishing to learn about the future development of the BWALT multi-use trail are encouraged to come to a joint meeting of the Planning and Select boards on Thursday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m.
The meeting will be held in the Great Hall of the Forbes Building, 45 W. Main St.
It will be an opportunity to provide an overview of the current plan, which seeks to convert portions of the Boston-Worcester Air Line Trail into a multi-use path that will directly connect to Framingham, Southborough and Shrewsbury.
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Section 1 (along Otis Street) — part of the Otis Street Design Project, is in the final phases of design, and is expected to break ground in summer 2025.
Section 2 (links Otis to Milk Street) — currently in the preliminary design phase.
This part of the project may see some changes. Part of the path cuts through property belonging to the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant; plant officials have said they want the space for a possible expansion.
Another part goes onto Meadow Road, which leads to Milk Street. Residents in that neighborhood are concerned about an increase in traffic, and would like to see the path move closer to the Westmeadow Plaza.
Section 3 (Park Street to East Main Street) – There is an existing trail section between East Main and Lyman streets.
Section 4 (East Main to West Park Drive) – There has been no significant progress, but the former right-of-way is in good condition.
Section 5 (along Flanders Road to West Park Drive) – opened in October 2024.
Section 6 (Lyman Street) – the town is in the process of seeking easements.
According to the town’s five-year capital plan, the project will seek $400,000 for fiscal 2026 (for the second phase of design for the second section), and $6.183 million for fiscal 2027 (to complete the design and construct Section 2, should the design be approved). The town is seeking grants to cover the costs.
The project is a collaboration between the Community Development, Planning and Public Works departments.
For details about BWALT, including a map, go to https://www.westboroughma.gov/1082/Boston-Worcester-Airline-Trail-BWALT
