Aqueducts Opening to Allow Trail Use in Northborough

It's been more than a year in the making, but the project is finally seeing some traction. The Board of Selectmen have approved the official request to the MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority) for Northborough to open up its trails along old aqueducts, a move that will ultimately connect up to 40 miles of trails through more than 10 towns for recreational use. 

Bob Mihalek, chairman of the Northborough Trails Committee, and Town Planner Kathy Joubert, said that the initial process is to open up as much of the 4.2 mile corridor that weaves behind Algonquin Regional High School to Cedar Brook. 

Framingham, Natick and Wellesley have also taken steps to approve opening aqueducts in towns, and more are expected to follow suit. 

If the some 40 miles of aqueducts are opened, it could connect trails from Wachusett Reservoir to Wellesley, said Mihalek. 

"The aqueduct openings will be in different phases," he said. "The last phase connects Stirrup Brook Trail." 

The town would be responsible for posting signs, as well as a kiosk with information at the head of the trail. 

The board and Town Administrator John Coderre applauded the efforts of the Trails Committee, calling it "one of the hardest working committees in town." 

There are currently eight recreational areas, and approximately 20 miles of trails open in Northborough.