Boston, MA - a cold morning in mid-November, State Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin) was joined by Congressman Jake Auchincloss, local Franklin town officials and members of the SNETT Rail Trail Committee to celebrate the acquisition of rail line from Grove Street to Union Street.

“This is a tremendous win for the community and will truly boost the crossing neighborhood in Franklin,” said Rep. Roy. “The extension of the rail trail will give families and individuals the opportunity to walk, bike and run through Franklin and beyond. I want to thank Congressman Auchincloss, Franklin officials and the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee for their persistence and commitment to Franklin’s resources and continuing to offer recreational and economic development options to the community.”

Rep. Roy worked with Congressman Auchincloss to get CSX, a freight train company, and Franklin officials to provide a pathway for the town to acquire the rail line to turn it into an extension of the rail trail. That would connect the current trailhead on Grove Street to Union Street and extend the line across town. This extension makes the Southern New England Trunkline Trail an 80-mile recreation trail extending from Franklin to Connecticut.

“I am proud to be a part of the team to bring this vision to fruition” said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator, thanking state and town officials. “This acquisition will be the cornerstone of a revitalized Franklin Crossing Neighborhood and will provide an incredible opportunity for recreational enthusiasts, including bikers, hikers, walkers and many others to be able to access this 80-mile SNETT trail that will extend all the way to Connecticut … This is a true partnership for the greater good of all residents!”

“The rail trail extension is game changing in making Downtown Franklin a compelling destination both for locals and people from further afield.  Franklin will be the ideal starting point for a family walk or bike ride combined with a visit to local businesses,” said Paul Stamp Vice President of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee.

Massachusetts contributed $700,000 towards the purchase of the line and has committed and addition $1 million to prepare the trail for use. 

Cobi Frongillo, Past President of the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee and former Franklin Town Councilor, added, “Our community has pushed for this connection for years, and it’s finally moving forward thanks to the persistence of town leaders and the leadership of Representative Roy and Congressman Auchincloss.”