Grafton and Upton Railroad - 2000s Renovation

2000s Renovation

In 2004 a test run was made on the track from North Grafton to West Upton. The track was determined to be in usable condition, however track beyond this point was so deteriorated that it would have been dangerous to operate a train.

In March 2008, 50% of the largely dormant G&U was sold, with the option to purchase the rest. Some in the town of Upton opposed any re-opening or increased use of the railroad line but were unable to have any influence. "We can't stop the railroad," said Selectmen Chairwoman Marsha Paul, "It is going to open. It will be about two years. It's something we'll have to monitor and watch." The new owner, Delli Priscoli, claims that "Railroads are coming back."

In October 2008 the North Grafton depot was expanded to accommodate two cars instead of one.

As of December 2009, the following is in progress or complete:

• The Milford yard, as well as the ROW up through West Upton has been completely cleared of trees.
• The Hopedale yard has been completely cleared and the land has been prepared for future development. The old engine house, scale, freight depot, and most of the yard's track have been removed.
• The line from West Upton to North Grafton has received major upgrades with new ties, relayed stone ballast and extensive ditch work.
• The West Upton yard had its switches and track refurbished with fresh ties and new stone ballast. Two new spurs were also built

On December 31, 2009, a test run was conducted, and it was announced that the portion of the line from North Grafton to West Upton was operable. This is the largest rehabilitation the line has seen since the 1950s.

Several local residents in both Grafton and Upton have expressed concern regarding the railroad's ecological impact on air quality, as well as water integrity as a result of intensive development.

An article in the Milford Daily News dated September 11, 2012, stated: "State and local officials drove a ceremonial spike into a South Main Street railroad crossing Monday, signifying the start of reconstruction of the Milford and Hopedale portion of the Grafton and Upton Railroad... Work on the Milford and Hopedale stretch is part of the second phase of getting the railroad back in shape... The first phase of the work was the stretch of track from Grafton to West Upton... said that he expects crossing construction in Milford will begin within the next month and hopes the entire track will be completed by the end of the year."