Politics & Government

'Rail Trail' Could be on Horizon for Norton

Selectmen Approved the formation of an Alternative Transportation Committee to explore the development of a multi-purpose trail through town.

Norton Selectmen approved a request from local residents last week to form an alternative transportation committee with the purpose of creating a "Rail Trail" through Norton.

The unanimous vote came after local residents Sandra Ollerhead and Karen Kenter-Potty appeared before the board. The two said they had been meeting informally throughout the summer and the formation of an official committee would allow them to apply for various grants to help fund the project.

"We’re ready to apply for grants and in order to that we need to be an official committee," Kenter-Potty said.

The multi-recreational trail, if completed, would connect Mansfield to Taunton by extending the World War II Memorial Trail in Mansfield. The trail would run to the west of Route 495 and cross Route 123.

"The momentum to support bike and multiuse pathways throughout the state is gaining, and we do not want Norton to be left behind," Kenter-Potty and Ollerhead wrote in a letter to selectmen. "These paths will not only be beneficial to our residents’ health but also our sense of community."

Kenter-Potty and Ollerhead said they had discussed the idea and received support from various public safety officials in town.

For Selectmen and Highway Superintendent Keith Silver, who was present at the meeting, crossing Route 123 would be a major concern.

"I’ve never maintained one of these so I don’t know what is going to go into it," Silver said. "My only concern is the 123 crossing."

Selectman Chair Robert Kimball said the newly formed committee would be an appropriate venue to discuss all safety and funding concerns.

"Forming a committee is a good idea to look at all of these issues," he said.







Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Norton