History
In 2011, The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) executed a lease with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for approximately 20 miles of the former railroad corridor from Waltham to Berlin for the purpose of designing and developing a multi-use rail trail. Since 2011, DCR has been working with communities and partners to develop a 10-foot wide shared use path along this entire corridor. The corridor passes through Waltham, Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, and Hudson with small pieces in Bolton and Stow. It will one day connect east to Belmont and Boston, and west to Clinton and beyond to Northampton.
In 2023 the City of Waltham completed MCRT Waltham, a 3-mile stretch from Beaver Street to Route 117/Hillside Road.
In 2019 DCR opened MCRT Weston - Wayland, a 5-mile segment from Railroad Bridge to Route 126, Wayland. This segment was completed in collaboration with Eversource and the municipalities.
Project Status
The MCRT Wayside consists of a number of sub-segments in various stages of planning and development.
- MCRT Waltham – Weston: Phase one of Route 117/Hillside Road to the Railroad Bridge includes the rehabilitation of the bridge and segment to Jones Road which is currently under construction in Waltham. The remaining segment is under design by DCR but the timeline is undetermined due to the status of the major planned roadway infrastructure at Green Street, Stow Street, and Route 117. The anticipated completion date for Phase 1 is summer 2025.
- The Linden Street Bridge: DCR is rehabilitating of the Linden Street Bridge to connect the two parts of the MCRT Waltham (see above). Construction began winter 2025.
- MCRT Sudbury – Hudson: This 7.5-mile stretch from Sudbury Substation to Wilkins Street, Hudson/Connection to Assabet River Rail Trail will be built by DCR. Construction will begin in the spring of 2025.
- MCRT Wayland to Sudbury: Route 126, Wayland to Sudbury Substation: This 1.9-mile segment is designed by DCR and will be funded and constructed by MassDOT. Design and permitting is anticipated to be complete in 2026.
- Additionally, through its Mass Trails grant program, DCR is supporting the towns of Hudson and Berlin in their efforts to complete the remainder of the Wayside segment through those municipalities.
How to get there
MBTA: The Neponset River Greenway is accessible by the following commuter rail and bus stops:
- MBTA's Fitchburg Commuter Rail line: best stops are either Kendall Green or Waltham
- MBTA's bus 70: Waltham center and Tower Road (Market Basket)
Most MBTA buses can accommodate 2 bicycles on their front racks, and off-peak commuter trains allow bicycles.
By Car: Parking is available at 51 Church Street Trail Head, Concord Road Trail Head, and the Wayland Library parking lot off Route 126. Street parking is available in surrounding areas near the trail.