Vinal Square Committee Backs Rail Feasibility Study, Marks Staff Farewell

CHELMSFORD -- May 11, 2026, Chelmsford's Vinal Square committee hears pitch for $750,000 Lowell-to-Nashua rail study. Kelly Leitma, Deputy Director of the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments, presented a proposed feasibility study for extending the MBTA Lowell commuter rail line from Gallagher Terminal north to Nashua, New Hampshire, telling the Vinyl Square Strategic Action Fund Committee the 18-month study would cost approximately $750,000 and could be funded by redirecting federal construction dollars that have no ready projects for fiscal year 2027. Eleven of the study's 13 corridor miles fall within NMCOG's planning jurisdiction, and Leitma said a potential rail stop near Vinal Square is among the scenarios that could be examined, noting the committee "would be a key stakeholder in any future conversations." The committee also confirmed the Vinal Square tower clock will be unveiled at the May 26 Memorial Day parade, with all vendors paid and Mahoney's nursery donating full site landscaping, and marked the retirement of town liaison Paul Gagnon after 13 years with the committee.