The MaineDOT is asking towns from Standish over to Fryeburg for their opinions on a proposed conversion of a 31-mile section of the inactive Mountain Division Rail Corridor, to an interim use, off-road, shared-use path.

The 31-mile section of the Mountain Divisio targeted for conversion runs from Johnson Field in Standish, through Baldwin, Hiram, and Brownfield, ending in Fryeburg.

History of the Mountain Division

Jeff Parsons
Jeff Parsons
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The Mountain Division is a railroad line that was owned by Maine Central Railroad that runs from Portland, near the present-day Amtrak Doweaster station to St. Johnsbury Vermont. It was abandoned in 1983 by Guilford Transportation Industries who bought the Maine Central two years prior.

The line was bought by the State of Maine to preserve for any future railroad use, but in 40 years, no trains have run beyond Westbrook, with the exception of the Conway Scenic Railroad which uses some of the rail for their excursion trains.

The Study

Jeff Parsons
Jeff Parsons
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The MaineDOT is currently doing a feasibility study for converting the rail corridor to an off-road, shared-use path that would add 31 miles to add to the 5.6-mile trail already in place between Windham and Standish.

Here's My Take On The Project

I'm all for adding a trail to another 31 miles of the Mountain Division, but I think rehabilitating the rail could have benefits too, such as longer excursions for the Conway Scenic Railroad if the line gets rehabilitated to New Hampshire.

Or the rail could be used for speeders, small motor powers railcars that can travel on the tracks. or rail bikes that seat 2 to 4 people where you pedal on the rails.

As a rail fan since childhood, I would hate to see the rails ripped up like so many others have. There's potential here for both the rail and the trail to exist and even provide more options for people to get out and exercise and explore.

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