Campaign to Replace the Acton Rd (RT 27) Street Crossing Light Signals

The current street crossing signals at the intersection of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and Acton Rd (RT 27) are in need of replacement.  Installed when the trail was built back in 2009, using first generation technology, the warning system has never been particularly effective.  The lights are virtually impossible to see and the system has had a history of needing battery replacements and other repairs.

The BFRT Acton Rd street crossing is one of the more dangerous intersections that trail users have to navigate.  As the trail bisects Acton Rd in the middle of an S curve, sight lines for both trail users and motorists are inadequate.  Additionally, Acton Rd's speed limit of 35 mph on this section of road leaves very little time for motorists to react to people already in the trail crossing.

Over the years there have been several near misses at the intersection, but this summer an actual collision between a cyclist and motorist was reported to Westford town staff.  Fortunately, no one was injured.  As the trail user numbers increase, and with the next phase of the trail slated to constructed in the next two years, this intersection will see increased traffic on the rail trail. 

To address the need for better crossing equipment and to provide a higher level of safety for trail users, The Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Inc. has started a campaign to fund a replacement trail warning system.  The new system will have greatly improved lighting and microwave detectors which provides heightened warning to motorists that trail users are near or in the intersection.  Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), which are pedestrian/cyclist activated, high-intensity warning lights, notify drivers when a pedestrian is entering the crosswalk.

The new systems cost approximately $15,000.  The Friends are asking for your financial contributions to support the purchase and installation of this much needed, upgraded rail trail safety equipment.

You may donate to this campaign by using the secure online donation form or mail your donation to:

BFRT Acton Rd Street Crossing System
c/o Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail
P.O. Box 1192
Concord, MA 01742

(Please make checks payable to the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail.  Please note Street Crossing System on your check)

Please note if you wish to become a member of the Friends please use our membership sign up form.  If you are already a member and want to renew you can do so using our membership renewal form.