Cochituate Aqueduct

Written by
IMG_20181018_120056

Cochituate Aqueduct

MetroWest Regional Collaborative logo. MetroWest written in blue. Regional Collaborative written in grey. Fostering Sustainable Communities written in green.

Overview

The Cochituate Aqueduct Trail extends from Newton to Natick. Recent trail clearing efforts have extended the trail as far west as Pickerel Pond. In order to create a connected network, it has been identified as part of the overall aqueduct trail network plan to extend the trail to the planned Cochituate Rail Trail.

Status

DCR has expressed support for routing the trail through Cochituate State Park to intersect with the rail trail. Natick recently constructed a foot bridge across a Pickerel Pond tributary, closing a key gap. The trail will be routed (by signs) along residential streets to Rt 27. Routing along Rt 27 and 30 will be a key discussion of this project.

IMG_20171013_164855

Partners

partner logos4
IMG_20181018_113304
IMG_20181018_121838
IMG_20181018_120504

Details

Section 1 - Liberty St to Rt 27

The aqueduct piping runs in a tunnel section in this area below a residential subdivision. Therefore the aqueduct trail will follow residential streets. The recommended routing as shown in the attached map follows the most direct route available.

Section 2 – Rt 27 and Rt 30 to the State Park

Rts 27 and 30 are two lane state highways with heavy traffic volumes. Rt 27 has sidewalks on both sides. Rt 30 has wide shoulders on both sides, though no sidewalks. An upcoming project on Rt 27 (2019 construction) will include bike lanes and a roundabout at the intersection of Pine St. The boardwalk and trail along Snake Brook will serve as the pedestrian route to Rt 30. DCR has plans to widen the trail and remove obstacles to make it more walkable that the current condition.

Section 3 – Cochituate State Park

DCR will soon be doing a comprehensive evaluation of how to route the trail through their property between Route 30 and the Cochituate Rail Trail. With the rail trail opening in 2020, the need is clear to improve access to the park by foot and bike. The evaluation will include short term measures to provide wayfinding through the parking lot and picnic area to the rail trail. Longer term will focus planning for an accessible trail throughout. The Cochituate Rail Trail will be under construction in the spring of 2019.