Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) was joined by State Senator Jamie Eldridge, State Senator Mike Barrett, State Representative Simon Cataldo, State Representative Carmine Gentile, Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt, The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Trail, as well as Acton and Concord local leaders to highlight over $9.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding that the Bruce Freeman Trail received to connect Concord and Acton across Route 2.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for Massachusetts families! This bridge between Concord and Acton is another great example of federal infrastructure investment connecting communities, and I know many families, including my own, are going to make great use of this expanded trail,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Bruce Freeman Trail holds a special place in my heart. It was the backdrop for morning training sessions as I prepared for marathons while pushing my two daughters in strollers. It’s also where my daughters graduated from their tricycles to their bicycles, and where my husband cycles from end to end every week. Our parks should be accessible to all of our families, and this expansion is a pivotal step in making that a reality.”

The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investment supported the construction of a bridge over Route 2 to connect the Towns of Concord and Acton on the Bruce Freeman Trail. This particular link begins at the intersection of Weatherbee St and Great Road in Acton and continues to Commonwealth Ave in Concord. This bridge connection creates 15 miles of unbroken trail from Crosspoint in Lowell to Powder Mill Road in Concord. The Route 2 Bridge opened in May of 2023.

“Multimodal projects like the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail are instrumental to connecting housing and jobs, resulting in a stronger economy,” said Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Transportation is not just about roads and the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail gives people the options beyond the car. Building better pathways means building better options for where people live, work, and play.”

“Ambitious infrastructure is often top-down, but this one was different,” said State Senator Mike Barrett. “The vision for the BFRT emerged from the grassroots and was nurtured and brought along by local government. This is what federal and state officials love to see."

"I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll administration and Acting Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbuts-Nutt for the administration's consistent support for connecting the Acton and Concord portions of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (BFRT) together over Route 2, and Congresswoman Lori Trahan's strong support for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that provided the critical federal dollars to make Phase 2B of the BFRT possible," said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). "I'm proud to have advocated for the continued expansion of the BFRT with the Acton and Concord legislative delegations and both towns' professional staff to expand recreational opportunities, provide transit alternatives to driving, and unlocking the beauty of the trees, ponds, and open space along this special rail trail for the general public." 

“Today marks a momentous occasion for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, as another portion is opened in Acton and Concord, bringing us closer to former State Representative Freeman’s vision of a recreational trail stretching from Lowell to Sudbury,” said State Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord). “Getting to this point would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of Congresswoman Trahan and the many community members who secured vital funding for the completion of this project.”

“The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail shows what communities can create with perseverance and collaboration, said Representative Dan Sena. "I’m thankful that local, state, and federal officials could use combined funds to expand the trail and connect our towns to nature for generations to come.”

“Soon, residents from Sudbury to Chelmsford will be able to enjoy the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail,” said State Representative Carmine Gentile. "I am thankful for the federal and state funding which has made Phase 2B a reality. This project will reduce our carbon emissions as residents discover they can walk and bike instead of driving, and generations yet unborn will be healthier and happier for the use of this trail.”

Construction of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, named after the late State Representative Bruce N. Freeman began in 2009. Once fully complete, the trail will span 25 miles along the former rail corridor from Route 3 in Lowell to Route 9 in Framingham. Trahan secured this funding through the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in November of 2021. The legislation is delivering more than $9.5 billion in federal funding to Massachusetts.

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