Talk of downtown rail solutions in Framingham

By Megan McKee, Globe Correspondent

According to the most recent study of the Route 126 rail crossing in downtown Framingham, the congestion caused by trains was first studied in 1898, and between 35 and 40 reports have followed. But now, Framingham is closer than ever to an actual solution, according to the chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Dennis Giombetti.

He said Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray recently visited Framingham to talk about the state’s willingness to solve the downtown traffic problems that arise from the railroad crossing, and the state just released $300,000 for the next phase of the study project, which will be finished in six months to nine months.

The state has also promised money for the actual design of the project, said Giombetti. And US Representative Ed Markey has given his assurances that he’ll push to have construction money included in the next federal transportation bill, Giombetti said, and should be released within two years.

The four options the most recent study recommended are: a grade separation of Route 135 under Route 126 at their intersection next to the rail lines; a grade separation of Route 126 under Route 135 and the rail tracks; and road bypasses in one of two possible locations.