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Salem to Concord

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Submitted to:

New Hampshire

Department of

Transportation and the

Citizens Advisory

Committee

Prepared by:

Rizzo Associates, Inc. and

Alta Planning and Design

April 30, 2003

Salem to Concord 

Bikeway Feasibility 

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Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................i

1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................1

2.0 Public and Agency Involvement...............................................................3

3.0 Project Purpose and Need.......................................................................7

4.0 Options.........................................................................................................8

4.1 Interstate 93 Bicycle Path ...........................................................8

4.2. The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad Corridor ........... 19

4.2.1 Description of Existing Corridor................................. 20

4.2.2 Design............................................................................. 28

4.3 Concord – Portsmouth Railroad Corridor......................... 41

4.3.1 Description of Existing Corridor................................. 41

4.3.2 Design ................................................................................ 42

4.4 New Hampshire Heritage Trail Segments ........................... 47

4.4.1 Manchester........................................................................ 47

4.4.2. Hooksett........................................................................... 48

4.5 Continuous On-Road Option between Salem and

Concord ...................................................................................... 50

4.5.1 Description of Existing Roadways............................ 55

4.5.2 On-Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility

Design............................................................................. 62

4.6 Other On-Road Links/Considered/Suggested .................... 65

5.0 Recommended Route............................................................................. 67

6.0 Project Phasing......................................................................................... 73

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

List of Tables

Table 1 I–93 Bikeway Summary by Segment........................................................ 18

Table 2 Rail Trail/Roadway Grade Crossings and On-road Segments

(Manchester –- Lawrence Branch)........................................................... 33

Table 3 Rail Structures (Manchester – Lawrence Branch)................................ 38

Table 4 Trail Segments (Manchester – Lawrence Branch) .............................. 40

Table 5 Rail Trail/Roadway Grade Crossings and On-road Segments

(Concord – Portsmouth Branch)............................................................. 45

Table 6 Rail Structures (Concord – Portsmouth Branch) ................................ 45

Table 7 Trail Segments (Concord – Portsmouth Branch) ................................ 46

Table 8 On Road Option Summary of Roadway Segment by Town .............. 51

Table 9 Road Segments Requiring Improvements and Estimated

Construction Costs..................................................................................... 64

Table 10 Alternatives Analysis – Evaluation Summary ......................................... 70

Table 11 Summary of Recommended Route.......................................................... 71

List of Figures

Figure 1 Salem – Concord Bikeway Feasibility Study Limits .............................iii

Figure 2-9 Salem – Concord Pedestrian /Bicycle Corridor Options...................9

Figure 10 Typical Cross Section I-93 Path............................................................. 17

Figure 11 Rail to Trail Typical Section: Cost Estimate by Linear Foot ........... 39

Figure 12 Heritage Trail, Downtown Manchester............................................... 47

Figure 13 Heritage Trail, Hooksett......................................................................... 49

Figure 14 Typical Roadway Sections....................................................................... 63

List of Appendices

Appendix A Meeting Minutes

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page i

Executive Summary

As part of the Salem to Manchester I-93 widening project, it was

suggested that bicycle and pedestrian travel between Salem and

Manchester be evaluated. The NHDOT developed a conceptual plan

for a shared use path within the I-93 right-of-way (ROW), however,

the public requested that alternative routes be identified. Subsequently,

Rizzo Associates, Inc. and Alta Planning + Design were retained by

the NHDOT to identify, evaluate and compare three basic options for

accommodating bicycle and pedestrian routes within the Salem-

Concord corridor. The three options included the previously

considered shared use path within the I-93 ROW, constructing a

shared use path within abandoned railroad corridors and upgrading

existing roads to better accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians. The

methodology and results of this evaluation are summarized in this

feasibility study.

Public and Agency Involvement

Public involvement was extensive throughout the course of the study

and included the formation of a Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC).

The CAC included members from eleven communities (as shown in

Figure 1) within the Salem-Concord corridor and representatives from

the Bicycle/Pedestrian Transportation Advisory Board, Rockingham,

Central New Hampshire and Southern New Hampshire Planning

Commissions, Department of Resource and Economic Development,

Department of Historical Resources and the New Hampshire

Department of Transportation. The CAC guided the study process and

met on four occasions.

Additionally four public information meetings were held. At these

meetings presentations of the options were made and representatives

from the CAC and the consultants listened to public comments on the

project.

Based on recommendations and technical data provided by the

consultants, the CAC made the final selection of an option to be

considered for further development for a bicycle/pedestrian connection

between Salem and Concord.

Project Purpose and Need

Critical to the study process was a clear understanding of the project’s

need and purpose. The Project Purpose and Need Statement was

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page ii

developed by the NHDOT, the CAC and the consultants with public

input and is as follows:

The purpose of the study is to identify a feasible alternative

transportation corridor (facility) for pedestrians and bicyclists

between Salem and Concord. This facility would provide for non-

motorized travel within and between communities along the

Interstate 93 (I-93) corridor between Salem and Concord. In an

effort to reduce the dependence on motor vehicle trips on I-93 and

other roadways, this alternate corridor (facility) should encourage

and provide a transportation link for both work and non-work

related trips, and be desirable for a wide range of bicyclists and

pedestrians. Potential options for a north-south alternative

transportation facility in the corridor include a bicycle path in

portions of the I-93 right-of-way between Salem and Londonderry,

use of existing roadways and use of abandoned or active rail

corridors.

Options

Options evaluated as part of this study included both off road and on

road alternatives such as the proposed I-93 shared use path, the

abandoned Manchester - Lawrence Railroad Corridor, the abandoned

Concord – Portsmouth Railroad Corridor, segments of the New

Hampshire Heritage Trail and on-road options. The following briefly

describes each of these options.

I-93 Shared Use Path. This 13 mile path would begin at Route 97

(Exit 2) and end at Route 28 in Londonderry (Exit 5). It does not

provide a complete connection between Salem and Concord and thus

may only be considered for the Salem to Londonderry portion of the

study area.

The proposed path is currently designed as a ten foot wide paved path

with two-foot wide gravel shoulders. The path is no closer than 30 feet

from the nearest edge of travel way on the highway and in most cases

is located at the bottom of the highway fill slopes.

Manchester - Lawrence Railroad Corridor. The Manchester -

Lawrence Railroad corridor is 23.6 miles long, connects Salem and

Manchester and travels through Windham, Derry and Londonderry. In

Salem, the corridor is unimproved and the former railroad rails and ties

remain. Through most of Windham the corridor has been improved to

accommodate a dirt trail used primarily by All Terrain Vehicles

(ATVs). Dirt trails and paved pathways have been constructed along

segments in Derry and Londonderry. The corridor includes 35 at grade

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page iii

Figure 1

Salem - Concord Bikeway Feasibility Study Limits

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crossings generally with low speed, low volume two-lane roads and 17

major structures including cattle passes and bridges over roads,

culverts and watercourses.

A shared use path within this corridor would be 12 feet wide with a

bituminous concrete surface and three foot wide shoulders. The

shoulders would be constructed with crushed stone. At grade crossings

would be designed based on the travel speeds and traffic volumes of

the crossing roadway. In most cases only signing and crosswalks

would be necessary. At a few locations the path would be realigned to

cross at an existing intersection. Some modifications to traffic signal

timings and phasing may be needed. Additionally, new flashing

warning beacons are suggested at three locations. The most difficult at

grade crossings are at Queen City Avenue in Manchester, and

Rockingham Park Boulevard in Salem, where travel speeds and traffic

volumes are high.

Concord –Portsmouth Railroad Corridor. This 5.8 mile long

corridor was last active as a railroad facility approximately 50 years

ago. The segment considered for this project begins on the east side of

the Merrimack River on Merrimack Street in Hooksett at the Hooksett

District Court, continues through Allenstown, Pembroke and crosses

the Merrimack River into Concord. The corridor has five at grade

crossings with low speed, low volume two-lane roads and four major

bridges over watercourses.

Similar to the Manchester - Lawrence corridor, a shared use path

within this corridor would be 12 foot wide with a bituminous concrete

surface and three foot wide shoulders. The shoulders would be

constructed with crushed stone. The only portion of the four bridges

over waterways which remain are the stone piers and abutments, thus

each bridge would require a new bridge superstructure. The largest

bridge crosses the Merrimack River and is 470 feet long.

New Hampshire Heritage Trail Segments. The proposed New

Hampshire Heritage Trail is 230 miles long providing a route from

Massachusetts to Canada. Communities design, build and maintain

local Heritage Trail segments. The study considered the Manchester

and Hooksett portions of the trail. Specifically, the portion of the

proposed trail in Manchester between Granite Street and the

Amoskeag Bridge may be appropriate for pedestrians. In Hooksett, the

portion of the proposed trail between Depot Road and Merrimack

Street would be useful as a connection between the on road segments

of the proposed bikeway in Manchester and the southerly endpoint of

the Concord-Portsmouth Railroad corridor.

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Continuous On-Road Option between Salem and Concord.

Evaluation of an on road option began with a study of The New

Hampshire Regional Bicycle Maps. The on-road option is 36 miles

long and encompasses 18 roadway links. Major roadway segments

include Route 39, Pleasant Street and North Policy Road in Salem,

Route 111 and North Lowell Street in Windham, Ash Street in Derry,

Route 28 and Mammoth Road in Londonderry, Mammoth Road in

Manchester, Route 28A/Route 28, Main Street and Pine Street in

Hooksett, Bow Bog Road and Logging Hill Road in Bow and South

Street in Concord. To accommodate bicyclists, many of these roads

would require widening to provide a minimum 4 foot shoulder on both

sides, and sidewalks would be constructed for pedestrians.

Other On Road Options. Several roadway links were identified by

the CAC, the public at-large and by the consultants as augmenting the

three major options for a continuous path between Salem and Concord.

These links are located in Bow, Manchester, Hooksett, Pembroke and

Concord.

Recommended Route. A recommendation for a preferred route was

based on a comprehensive evaluation of each option based on criteria

set forth by the CAC. The criteria included determining how well the

option met the goals of the purpose and need statement, design and

construction issues, costs, resource impacts and compatibility with

community plans. As part of this process the “Rail Trail Alternative”

was developed and is a combination of the other three options. It

encompasses the two abandoned rail corridors, connected by an on-

road option in Manchester and portions of the proposed Hooksett

Heritage Trail. It was this combination alternative that was found to

most closely meet the criteria of the CAC. A detailed description of

the route follows:

Segment Name Facility Type From To

Manchester-Lawrence Railroad

Shared use path

(rail to trail) and on-road segment

around Manchester Airport

Hampshire Road, Salem Depot Street, Manchester

Depot Street, Canal Street and

River Road (Manchester) Bicycle route (on road) and sidewalk

Concord Railroad crossing of

Depot Street (Manchester) Hooksett Town Line

Heritage Trail Shared use path Depot Road, Hooksett Merrimack Street, Hooksett

Merrimack Street (Hooksett) Bicycle route (on road)

Heritage Trail at proposed

crossing of Merrimack River

Southerly end of Concord –

Portsmouth Railroad

Concord – Portsmouth Railroad

Shared use path

(rail to trail) Merrimack Street, Hooksett

Westerly bank of Merrimack

River

Hall Street Bicycle route and sidewalk (on road) Merrimack River, Concord Downtown Concord

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Phasing

Phasing for the development of the Salem – Concord Bikeway is

broken into short-term, mid-term and long-term components. In the

short term, efforts should be made to secure land not currently owned

by municipalities or the state. Design and construction of the portion

of the trail located within the Manchester–Lawrence abandoned rail

corridor would follow. Lastly, the design and construction of the

portions of the trail north of Manchester including the Concord –

Portsmouth corridor and Hooksett Heritage Trail would be completed.

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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1.0 Introduction

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is studying the

feasibility of improving bicycle/pedestrian accommodations in the Salem –

Concord corridor. The corridor is within the Merrimack River Valley and

includes the Interstate 93 (I-93) transportation facility. As part of a project to

widen I-93, the public suggested that the NHDOT not only consider motor

vehicle needs but also the movement of bicyclists and pedestrians within the

corridor. As a result, the NHDOT developed a conceptual plan and profile for

a shared use path (bicycle and pedestrian) within the I-93 right-of-way

(ROW). Some felt that the so-called “I-93 bicycle path” was not the best

option for accommodating bicycle and pedestrian travel within the corridor.

Thus, the NHDOT retained Rizzo Associates, Inc. and Alta Planning +

Design to identify and evaluate alternative bicycle and pedestrian routes

within the Salem – Concord corridor.

This study examines three basic options for accommodating bicycle and

pedestrian travel within the Salem – Concord corridor:

1. Constructing a shared use path within the I-93 corridor

2. Constructing a shared use path within abandoned railroad corridors

3. Using existing roads “as is” or improving them to better

accommodate bicycles and pedestrians

The first option includes a path within the I-93 ROW from Salem to

Londonderry. The second option includes portions of the abandoned

Manchester – Lawrence Railroad from Salem to Manchester and the

abandoned Portsmouth – Concord Railroad from Hooksett to Concord. The

third option includes a series of state and local roads that were designated as

state or regional bike routes on the New Hampshire Regional Bicycle Map.

Within options two and three are use of segments of the New Hampshire

Heritage Trail in Manchester and Hooksett.

Although these three basic options were identified early in the process, it was

also deemed necessary to consider and evaluate combinations of these

options. In fact, combinations of the three basic options were essential to

create continuous routes between Salem and Concord.

The study included field reconnaissance of the I-93 corridor and certain

parallel state and local roads. An inventory of the abandoned railroad

corridors was also conducted. Geographic information system (GIS) data on

wetlands, surface water, roads and publicly owned recreation and

conservation properties was obtained and used to create a project map series.

Alignments of the various alternatives were digitized and printed in color on

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aerial photography of the corridor. The overall and detailed maps of the

corridor are included in the report and project website.

Detailed valuation plans (val plans) prepared for both railroads in 1914 were

obtained and consulted during the preparation of this study. The val plans

show the extent of the railroad right-of-way, bridge types and dimensions,

and buildings that existed at the time near the railroad.

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2.0 Public and Agency Involvement

The NHDOT has sought input in the study from within the department and

from the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED),

regional planning agencies, municipalities, and the public. The study has

been guided by a Citizen’s Advisory Committee (CAC) established for the

project. The CAC includes the following members:

Name Organization Representing

Domenic Ciavarro Consultant Rizzo Associates, Inc

Nancy Doherty Consultant Rizzo Associates, Inc

Paul Smith Consultant Alta Planning + Design

Catherine Coletti RPC Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission

Scott Bogle RPC Rockingham Planning Commission

Peter Reed RPC Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission

Quazi Bari RPC Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission

Richard Betterly State Department of Historic Resources

Robert Sproel State Dept. of Resource and Economic Dev. – Div. of Parks and Recreation

Bureau of Trails

Lou Barker State NH DOT

William Cass State NH DOT

Tom Jameson State NH DOT

Ram Maddali State NH DOT

Ansel Sanborn State NH DOT

Cheryl Killian State Gov. Committee on Disability

Meena Gyawali Manchester Planning Department

Paul Doolittle Derry Town Council & Derry Pathways

Michael DiBitetto Hooksett Town Council

Sandra Lagueux Londonderry Londonderry Trailways

John St. Hilaire Manchester Queen City Trails Alliance

Bob Menefra Manchester Queen City Trails Alliance

Kerrie Diers Pembroke Town Planner

Wayne Morris Windham Windham Representative

Robert Jacobellis Windham Citizen

John Mangan Windham Citizen

Mark Samsel Windham Citizen

Linda Harvey Salem Bicycle/pedestrian Transportation Advisory Board (BPTAB)

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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Detailed minutes are provided in the Appendix for each of these meetings. A

brief summary of the key points of discussion at each of the meetings

follows.

First Citizens Advisory Committee Meetings (December 12, 2002)

The Salem – Concord Bikeway CAC first met on December 12, 2002 in

Manchester at the offices of the Southern New Hampshire Planning

Commission. The NHDOT and its consultants presented initial research on

potential options including a bicycle and pedestrian path within the I-93

right-of-way (ROW) and a path within two abandoned rail road ROWs. All

terrain vehicles (ATV) use on the Windham portion of the Lawrence –

Manchester abandoned rail corridor will need to be addressed.

The committee requested that the consultants meet with the Manchester and

Hooksett Planning Departments on the location and status of each

community’s portion of a proposed New Hampshire Heritage Trail. The

Heritage Trail generally follows the easterly bank of the Merrimack River

through Manchester and Hooksett and may provide a good option for

portions of the Salem-Concord bikeway.

Second Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting (January 23, 2003)

At the second meeting, the NHDOT and its consultants presented more

detailed research on the potential options. A concept for the trail alignment

was presented for the segment that passes around the Manchester Airport.

Initial concepts for bicycle and pedestrian connections from the rail corridor

to I-93 park-and-ride lots were also discussed. Concerns were raised

regarding wetlands and ATV use in Windham, a gas line in Londonderry and

ROW encroachments.

For the northerly portion of the trail within the rail corridor, the bridges on

the Soucook River, Suncook River, Allenstown canal and Merrimack River

were identified as key structures requiring significant reconstruction.

Discussion of the I-93 option raised concerns regarding air quality and a lack

of connections to town roads.

On road options were presented and the committee felt that the slopes, trucks

and traffic volumes on some the roads may discourage bicyclists.

During this meeting the CAC discussed and developed a format for the

Public Information Meetings.

Public Information Meetings (February 11 and 13, 2003)

The first set of public information meetings were held in Derry on February

11 and in Hooksett on February 13, 2003. At each meeting a one-hour

presentation was made on project options and potential combinations of:

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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1. I-93 bicycle and pedestrian path

2. Shared roadway option

3. Railroad corridor option

The technical team answered questions and listened to public comments for

an additional hour or more. Issues raised by the attendees included trail users,

trail surface, the opportunities and/or conflicts presented by the

bicycle/pedestrian mode and other modes such as rail and ATV, funding and

maintenance. Lists of positive and negative attributes for each option were

developed and are summarized in the meeting notes.

Third Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting (February 27, 2003)

The focus of this meeting was to discuss the comments received during the

public information meetings and to develop a recommendation for a

preferred alternative. Specifically a format for evaluating each alternative

was developed.

Public Information Meetings (April 1 and 3, 2003)

The second set of public information meetings were held in Windham on

April 1, 2003 and in Pembroke on April 3, 2003. A presentation was made

by NHDOT and the consultants at each of these meetings. The presentation

included a summary of the comments and public input received at the first set

of public meetings, description of the recommended route, quantitative

analysis of the options, analysis of resource and community compatibility

and discussion of future steps.

Issues raised by attendees included ATV displacement and trail replacement,

snowmobile use, town liability and responsibilities, funding, land purchase

and trail surface.

John St. Hilaire of the Queen City Trail Alliance is organizing a “Corridor

Committee” to work on the Salem to Concord bikeway implementation. The

committee will be a strong advocate for this project. He had sign up sheets

available.

Fourth Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting (April 15, 2003)

The fourth and final CAC meeting was held in April to discuss comments

received from the public, the preferred alternative, project phasing and future

steps. The committee agreed that the preferred route includes both abandoned

rail corridors, portions of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail and short

roadway segments in Manchester and Hooksett. Although three options were

considered for connection to downtown Concord, the committee favors the

trail crossing the Merrimack River and connecting to Hall Street in Concord,

as strongly supported at the Pembroke Public Information Meeting.

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As part of the discussion on the preferred alternative the surface of the trail

was raised as a key design issue. During the public information meetings

people spoke in support for both a paved surface and an unpaved surface.

The pavement surface does have an effect on different types of trail users.

The CAC expressed a preference for a paved path but felt that surface

treatment should be discussed at the local level during project development.

It was requested that this feasibility study present both the positive and

negative aspects of both surfaces (see Chapter 5.0 – Recommended Route).

Linda Harvey, the Salem representative reported that preliminary discussion

with town officials indicate that an overpass of the trail at the Rockingham

Boulevard/Route 28 intersection may be required.

Obtaining funding for the trail was discussed. July 31, 2003 is the deadline

for submitting an application to the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality

Improvement Program (CMAQ) for funding. The application is submitted

through the regional planning commissions. If the application is approved by

the planning commissions and submitted to the state, the earliest funding for

design and construction may not be available until later than 2005. Moreover,

the funding would cover only 80 percent of the design and construction costs.

Funding for the remaining 20 percent matching funds would need to be

provided at the local and state levels.

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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3.0 Project Purpose and Need

The first step in the Salem – Concord Bikeway Feasibility Study was the

development of a project purpose and need statement. The Purpose and Need

Statement sets the benchmark by which the various options will be evaluated.

For this study an iterative process was used to develop and refine the purpose

and need statement. The final Project Purpose and Need Statement as

developed by the NHDOT, Citizens Advisory Committee and consultants

with public input is as follows:

The purpose of the study is to identify a feasible alternative

transportation corridor (facility) for pedestrians and bicyclists

between Salem and Concord. This facility would provide for non-

motorized travel within and between communities along the Interstate

93 (I-93) corridor between Salem and Concord. In an effort to reduce

the dependence on motor vehicle trips on I-93 and other roadways,

this alternate corridor (facility) should encourage and provide a

transportation link for both work and non-work related trips, and be

desirable for a wide range of bicyclists and pedestrians. Potential

options for a north-south alternative transportation facility in the

corridor include a bicycle path in portions of the I-93 right-of-way

between Salem and Londonderry, use of existing roadways and use of

abandoned or active rail corridors.

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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4.0 Options

Several options for bicycle and pedestrian travel between Salem and Concord

were identified as part of this study and are summarized in this chapter. The

options include both off road and on road alternatives such as the proposed I-

93 bicycle path, abandoned railroad corridors, segments of the New

Hampshire Heritage Trail, existing roadways, and combinations of the same.

For the I-93 option and the Heritage Trail segments a description of the

proposed design is presented. For the two abandoned railroad corridors, the

existing conditions are identified followed by a section on design issues

related to creating the bicycle/pedestrian shared use trail.

Each of the options is shown on Figures 2 through 9. These figures are based

on aerial photographs of the Salem/Concord corridor.

4.1 Interstate 93 Bicycle Path

In an effort to encourage multiple modes of transportation and reduce the

dependence on motor vehicle travel, a bicycle/pedestrian path is being

considered as part of the Interstate 93 widening project from Salem to

Manchester. The proposed path would be for exclusive bicycle and

pedestrian use. It would be located adjacent to I-93, within the existing and

proposed right-of-way limits of the highway. The approximately 13 mile path

begins in Salem near Exit 2 (Route 97) and ends in Londonderry near Exit 5

(Route 28). This option does not provide a complete trail to Concord and

thus may only be considered for the Salem to Londonderry portion of the

corridor.

The proposed design of the facility includes a ten foot paved path with 2-foot

gravel shoulders on each side. The path would be located no closer than 30

feet from the nearest edge of travel lane on the highway and in most cases

will be located at the bottom of the highway fill slopes. Figure 10 depicts a

typical cross sectional view of the path. The following section describes in

detail the proposed route of the I-93 bike path.

The facility begins at the intersection of Pelham Road and North Policy

Street in Salem on the east side of I-93. The path continues north adjacent to

the northbound on-ramp. Continuing to the north, the path is located at the

bottom of the slope adjacent to I-93. The path crosses under Brookdale Road

and continues to the Windham town line between the highway and Canobie

Lake.

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In Windham the path remains on the east side of I-93 and then utilizes the

existing northbound barrel, because the proposed northbound lanes will be

relocated to the west near the southbound lanes. A connection is proposed at

Wildwood Road. The path then connects to Range Road near Exit 3 and

provides a connection to the proposed park and ride lot. The path continues

along Route 111 for a short distance, crosses Route 111 and continues along

the east side of the highway at the bottom of the slope. Along this section the

path is directed around the weigh station and then intersects with North

Lowell Road.

Figure 10 Typical Section I-93 Path

In Derry the path remains on the east side of the highway and utilizes a

section of the abandoned Manchester Lawrence railroad up to Fordway

Extension. At Fordway Extension the path crosses under I-93 and continues

north on the west side of the highway at the bottom of slope. The path

intersects Kendall Pond Road and continues into Londonderry on the west

side of the highway.

The facility is located to the west of the highway and the Exit 4 southbound

onramp. It then crosses the on-ramp and Route 102 at a signalized

intersection. This provides access to the Exit 4 park and ride lot. Continuing

north it is located on the west side of the southbound off-ramp and I-93 to

Pillsbury Road. The trail crosses back to the east side of the highway at

Pillsbury Road and continues north at the bottom of the slope. The path then

intersects Stonehenge Road and crosses under the highway to the west side.

The path continues north on the west side of the I-93 to Exit 5 at Route 28.

Here it provides access to the proposed park and ride lot.

Table 1 summarizes the I-93 option by segment. The NHDOT estimates the

construction cost for the I-93 bikeway is $8,400,000.

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Table 1 I–93 Bikeway Summary by Segment

Segment Description Town or City

Length

(miles)

Grade Crossings (Intersections)

Pelham Road to Windham

Town Line

Salem 1.4 Brookdale Road

Windham Town Line to North

Lowell Road

Windham 4.9

Wildwood Road, Westshore Road, Edgewood

Road, Route 111, North Lowell Road

N. Lowell Road to Kendall

Pond Road

Derry 2.0 Fordway Extension, Kendall Road

4 Kendall Road to Route 28 Londonderry 4.3

Route 102, Pillsbury Road, Ash Street, Stonehenge

Road, Route 28

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4.2. The Manchester and Lawrence Railroad Corridor

An off road option is provided by the existing Manchester - Lawrence

Railroad corridor. Specifically, the 23.6 mile segment between Hampshire

Road in Salem to Depot Street in Manchester was identified as a possible

segment of the Salem-Concord Bikeway.

On the Boston and Maine Railroad, branch lines like the Manchester and

Lawrence more often linked two (or more) cities that already were served by

other rail connections. The Manchester and Lawrence Branch was

constructed in 1847 to 1849 when cities north of Boston were experiencing

the industrial revolution. The first train ran the entire railroad on November

13, 1849. A segment of the railroad in Windham was the most expensive to

construct because extensive cutting through ledge and filling of lowlands was

necessary for a distance of three miles. In downtown Manchester, the

Manchester and Lawrence Branch was constructed parallel and west of Canal

Street. The branch joined the Concord Railroad several hundred feet north of

Granite Street.

All segments of the railroad have been abandoned and most are publicly

owned. The short stretch (less than one mile) south of the Spicket River in

Salem is still owned by Guilford Transportation. Most of the alignment is

now owned by the State of New Hampshire. All but two segments in Derry

and Manchester are owned by those municipalities. Delaware Rock, Inc.

owns the 1.6 mile former rail corridor between North High Street in Derry

and Route 28 in Londonderry. The railroad corridor through Manchester

Airport is owned by the airport.

Alta Planning + Design staff walked the railroad corridor from Kelley Road

in Salem to Mammoth Road in Londonderry on October 29-30, 2002.

Additional portions of the corridor were investigated in December 2002 and

January 2003. The field reconnaissance, interviews with local and state

officials, and additional research has been used to assess the feasibility of

constructing a shared use path for bicycle and pedestrian use in the former

railroad corridor.

It should be noted that this feasibility analysis considers construction of a

non-motorized rail-trail and not a rail with trail. Given the presence of

extensive wetland areas adjacent to the trail particularly in Windham and

Derry, it would be difficult to construct a trail with adequate separation from

an active rail line.

Richard A. Hoisington, “This Train Does Not Stop at Nutt’s Pond: A History of the B&M’s

Manchester & Lawrence Branch,” The New England States Limited (Spring 1978).

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The following section describes the corridor from south to north and is

divided into 18 segments. Major features within each segment are discussed,

and a limited number of photographs are provided. Following the segment

descriptions is a discussion of the feasibility of constructing a rail to trail

within the 23.6 mile corridor from Hampshire Road in Salem to Depot Street

in Manchester.

Three major tables are included at the end of the section summarizing the

analysis of the grade crossings, structures and trail segments. Order-of-

magnitude construction cost estimates are included in the summary table.

4.2.1 Description of Existing Corridor

1. Hampshire Road to Kelley Road (Salem)

This segment begins just north of the Massachusetts state line and extends

1.1 miles north to Kelley Road. The railroad south of Spicket River is

abandoned but still owned by Guilford Transportation. The State of New

Hampshire has not initiated the process to acquire this part of the rail

corridor. The State owns the entire rail corridor in Salem north of Spicket

River. This segment contains two structures: a bridge over Spicket River

(shown below) and a cattle pass.

Looking west at railroad bridge over Spicket River (Photo: Linda Harvey).

2. Kelley Road to Rockingham Park Boulevard (Salem)

This segment parallels Route 28 and is approximately 1.0 mile long.

Commercial properties are located on both sides of the highway. Residential

properties including apartments abut the railroad on the west side along with

several shopping centers. The former railroad right-of-way (ROW) is 82.5

feet wide and is shown in section in the Trail Design section (Salem).

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Looking north at Hagop Road crossing of rail corridor paralleling Route 28 (Photo: Linda

Harvey).

3. Rockingham Park Boulevard to Main Street (Salem)

The segment from Rockingham Park Boulevard to Main Street is

approximately 1.0 mile long. Rockingham Park Boulevard crosses the

railroad corridor with nine lanes (see photo below) separated by medians

adjacent to Route 28. This roadway design is evident on the railroad

valuation plans prepared in 1914. Rockingham Park Boulevard leads to Exit

1 of Interstate 93. North of this intersection the railroad corridor abuts

Rockingham Park, the horse track, including the entrance commonly used to

bring horses into the park.

Rail crossing at Rockingham Boulevard Approaching Main Street, Salem

4. Main Street to Route 111 (Salem)

The Salem Depot is located along the railroad at Main Street in Salem. Main

Street leads to Exit 2 on Interstate 93. North of the Salem Depot, portions of

the rail corridor are used by Dodge Grain for storage and loading. North of

Willow Street the railroad corridor abuts wetlands and includes drainage

structures under the railroad. The railroad corridor abuts residential

properties on the west, north of the crossing of Old Rockingham Road. The

segment from Main Street to Route 111 is approximately 1.8 miles long.

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Culvert north of Willow Street Residences on Old Rockingham Road

5. Route 111 (Salem) to Depot Road (Windham)

The railroad corridor is 4.1 miles long from Route 111 to Depot Road. Route

111 leads to Exit 3 on Interstate 93. A dirt trail is maintained by the New

Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED)

within this segment. The trail is open to motorized all-terrain vehicles

(ATVs). In this segment, the former railroad is elevated and has a 99 feet

wide right of way (see Windham Cross Section in Design Section). The

existing trail provides access to and views of natural areas including Mitchell

Pond. Two historic stone bridges and stone walls are present within the rail

corridor. The narrow rail corridor through wetlands and rock cuts (ledge) is

adequate for the trail, but not for a railroad and a trail (rail with trail).

Windham – Existing dirt trail in former railroad right of way

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Historic stone arch bridge View of Mitchell Pond from rail corridor

6. Depot Road (Windham) to Kendall Pond Road (Derry)

This 2.3 mile long segment includes predominantly rural areas and wetlands

between Windham Road and Bowers Road. The Town of Derry owns the

railroad corridor north of Windham Road. A short stretch of the railroad

corridor parallels and is close to Interstate 93. North of Bowers Road,

residential properties abut the railroad and more are under construction.

Existing dirt trail in wetlands Abutting residential properties

7. Kendall Pond Road to West Broadway (Derry)

The Town of Derry, owns this 0.8 mile long segment of the former railroad

ROW and has constructed a 10-foot wide paved shared use path for bicycles

and pedestrians (see Design section). The area along the path is

predominantly residential. The ROW was converted to a public street at

Nutfield Court as part of a residential subdivision. The path crosses a stone

arch bridge over Beaver Brook. The path becomes a sidewalk adjacent to the

Derry Depot, which was recently converted to a restaurant. West

Broadway

leads to Exit 4 of Interstate 93.

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Existing paved path in Derry Derry Depot under renovation in October 2002

8. West Broadway to North High Street (Derry)

The former railroad alignment includes a wide crosswalk on West Broadway

and brick sidewalks along Manning Street to the north. After Manning Street

dead ends, the railroad corridor contains a dirt trail. The trail continues over

Hornes Pond on a stone arch railroad bridge. The trail runs through a new

residential development just south of North High Street. This segment of the

railroad corridor is 0.6 miles long.

9. North High Street (Derry) to Rockingham Road, Route 28 (Londonderry)

According to data provided by NHDOT, this segment of the former

Lawrence and Manchester Branch railroad is owned by Delaware Rock, Inc.

The corridor remains intact with no buildings or other intrusions. A short

stretch of a cut section of the railroad corridor was filled to create an at-grade

crossing of B Street where a structure had been previously. This segment of

the railroad corridor is 1.1 miles long.

10. Route 28, Rockingham Road to Auburn Road (Londonderry)

This 1.6 mile segment is predominantly rural. It ends at an industrial area

where the trail parallels Independence Drive.

Existing dirt trail in Londonderry at milepost 9 (9 miles south of Manchester Depot).

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11. Auburn Road to Route 28, Rockingham Road (Londonderry)

A portion of the railroad corridor in this segment was purchased by a private

developer and used to construct a driveway to a new office building in the

northeast quadrant of the I-93/Route 28 interchange. The building is located

just north of the rail crossing of Auburn Road. About 20 feet of the rail

corridor was not used. Further north, I-93 spans over the rail corridor on two

bridges. Between I-93 and Route 28 the corridor along the railroad is

primarily industrial and undergoing development. The segment from Auburn

Road to Route 28 is 1.6 miles long.

Office building driveway in former rail ROW Existing dirt trail in rail corridor near North

Londonderry Elementary School near Exit 5

12. Route 28, Rockingham Road to Harvey Road (Londonderry)

This segment of the former railroad corridor is 1.3 miles long. It includes an

at-grade crossing of Mammoth Road and a small bridge over Little Cojas

Brook. A pipeline easement parallels the railroad on the west side.

13-15. Route around Manchester Airport (Londonderry and Manchester)

Between Harvey Road in Londonderry and Perimeter Road in Manchester

the railroad corridor is owned by the Manchester Airport and would not be

used for trail development. The trail would be an on-road bicycle facility

(shoulder or bicycle lane) with sidewalks on Harvey Road and Perimeter

Road. A short section of shared use path would be constructed around the

new airport runway. More detail of this facility is provided in the Design

section (Section 4.2.2).

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Harvey Road Area between Willow Street and airport

16. Perimeter Road to Goffs Falls Road (Manchester)

North of Perimeter Road the railroad corridor is owned by the City of

Manchester. The segment from Perimeter Road to Goffs Falls Road is 0.4

mile long. A 150-foot long wood trestle bridge spans the Great Cojas Brook.

This is the longest railroad bridge on the Manchester and Lawrence Branch.

Rail bridge over Great Cojas Brook (Photo: John St. Hilaire)

17. Goffs Falls Road to South Beech Street (Manchester)

The City has received a grant from NHDOT to construct a paved shared use

path within the Manchester and Lawrence Branch corridor from Goffs Falls

Road to South Beech Street, a distance of about 1.5 miles. This segment

serves Precourt Park, Nutts Ponds, single family and multifamily housing,

commercial and industrial areas.

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The abandoned rail corridor passes under I-293

18. South Beech Street to Depot Street (Manchester)

This 1.2 mile long segment includes an at-grade crossing of Queen City

Avenue, a busy four-lane roadway with a median. Just to the north, another

abandoned railroad intersects the Manchester and Lawrence Branch. This

railroad has been designated for future development as the Rockingham

Trail, which will connect Manchester to the Seacoast. The Manchester-

Lawrence Branch trail would terminate at Depot Street. The last 1000 feet or

so would parallel the active Concord Railroad.

Queen City Avenue in Manchester. Rail crossing in mid-ground.

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Looking south near Cove Street (active rail on the right).

4.2.2 Design

The railroad corridor is an ideal location to develop a paved bicycle and

pedestrian path. One significant advantage the railroad corridor has over

other options is its relatively flat grade. The railroad was designed to have a

maximum grade of only 1 to 2 percent (1 to 2 foot change in elevation in 100

feet).

Typical Cross Sections. This option would require construction of a trail in

the bed of the former railroad. Based on input from the advisory committee

and public meetings, the trail would be 12 feet wide with a 2.5 inch thick

bituminous concrete (asphalt) surface course. Three-foot wide shoulders

would be provided on both sides of the path. The shoulders would have a 4-

inch surface course of crushed stone. A 10-inch gravel base would be

provided under the trail and shoulders. Three typical cross sections are

shown on the following page.

Based on field observations, this cross section is readily accommodated

throughout most of the length of the Manchester – Lawrence corridor. Minor

widening and slope work will be necessary.

Proposed Trail Around Manchester Airport. As the railroad corridor is

inaccessible between Harvey Road and Perimeter Road a link would be

required to connect the northerly end point of the corridor, south of the

airport to the southerly end point of the corridor, north of the airport. Harvey

Road would be reconstructed to provide 4-foot wide shoulders and a

sidewalk from the railroad corridor to the 90 degree turn at the new airport

runway. A shared use path is recommended along a portion of Harvey Road

and Willow Street to get around the eastern end of the new runway/extension

at Manchester Airport. The trail would begin at the 90 degree turn of Harvey

Road west of Willow Street. It would be constructed on the south side of the

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Salem – Proposed typical cross section in level terrain with existing rails still in place.

Windham –Proposed typical section in elevated terrain with existing dirt trail

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Derry – Proposed typical section in level terrain with existing paved path

fence along the runway and may require a retaining wall. The path would be

offset from the edge of road by at least five feet. The path would turn and go

north along Willow Street on the east side of the runway fence. The path

would turn back to the west and follow the north side of the runway fence to

the 90 degree turn of Perimeter Road. Perimeter Road would be restriped to

provide 4-foot wide shoulders or bicycle lanes and a sidewalk from the 90

degree turn at the airport runway to the railroad corridor.

At-Grade Crossings. Crossings of the proposed trail within the former

railroad ROW with roadways at the same elevation (at grade) require

evaluation and design. Most of the 35 roadways which the trail would cross

are low speed, low volume two-lane roads. However, other roadways that the

trail would intersect carry more traffic at higher speeds.

Evaluation of trail crossings involves analysis of traffic patterns of vehicles

as well as trail users. This includes traffic speeds, street width, traffic

volumes (average daily traffic, and peak hour), line of sight, and trail user

characteristics. This study identifies potential crossing treatments given

available information, which must be verified and/or refined during the

design and construction document stage. Table 2 summarizes this data and

the proposed treatment for each of the at-grade intersections.

The proposed systems approach in this report is based on established

standards, published technical reports, and the experiences on existing

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facilities. Generally speaking, there are four types of improvements to

consider for trail/roadway intersections:

Basic Crossing Prototypes

 Unsignalized mid-block crossings of residential, collector, and

sometimes major arterial streets.

 Routed to Existing Intersection - Bikeways which emerge near

existing intersections may be routed to these locations.

 Signalized/Controlled – Bikeway crossings which require installation

of traffic signals or other control measures due to traffic volumes,

speeds, and trail usage.

 Grade separated – Bridges or underpasses which provide the

maximum level of safety but also generally are the most expensive

and have right of way, maintenance, and other public safety

considerations.

Most of the 35 crossings fall into one of the first two categories. Typical

treatments included at unsignalized mid-block crossings are a striped

crosswalk with advance warning signs on the road and stop signs on the trail.

It is important that these crossings be installed where motorists have

sufficient stopping sight distance. Many of the crossings in Salem are

appropriate for routing the trail to the adjacent intersection with Route 28. A

crosswalk will need to be installed in locations where one does not presently

exist. If the intersection is signalized, then changes in signal timing and

phasing may be appropriate.

Three locations are recommended for consideration for flashing warning

beacons over crosswalks. These are at the rail trail crossing of Windham

Road in Windham, at the intersection of Sanborn Road and Route 28 in

Londonderry, and at the 90 degree turn of Harvey Road in Manchester.

The most difficult trail/roadway intersections in the 23.6 mile corridor are the

intersection of the rail trail and Queen City Avenue in Manchester and at

Rockingham Park Boulevard in Salem. It is recommended that a traffic signal

warrant analysis be conducted for Queen City Avenue in Manchester. The

analysis should consider traffic operations at the two closest signalized

intersections on Queen City Avenue at Willow Street and Elm Street. If

warranted a pedestrian actuated traffic signal system should be installed at

the trail/roadway intersection. If the signal is not warranted or if it is

determined that signalization of the crossing would cause significant traffic

congestion, then a grade-separated trail crossing should be constructed. This

would most likely be a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the roadway.

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Based on comments and feedback from Salem officials, the introduction of a

pedestrian phase to the Rockingham Boulevard intersection will likely result

in a degradation of the overall operations at this location. The intersection is

currently at or exceeding capacity, resulting in long delays and vehicle

stacking. Here again an analysis is suggested to determine if the at grade

intersection can accommodate a pedestrian phase, however, for this study, we

have assumed a grade separated trail crossing. This would most likely be a

bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the roadway.

Structures. Seventeen (17) major structures are located within the railroad

corridor. They can be classified as follows:

a) Five (5) road bridges over the railroad

b) Two (2) cattle passes

c) Two (2) railroad bridges over dirt roads

d) Two (2) large culverts under roadways (installed after railroad

operations ceased)

e) Six (6) railroad bridges over watercourses

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Table 2 Rail Trail/Roadway Grade Crossings and On-road Segments (Manchester –- Lawrence Branch)

Road Name

Town or

City

No. of

Lanes

Estimated

Road

Width (ft)

Estimated

Median

Width (ft)

Estimated

Travel

Speeds

(mph)

Average

Daily

Traffic Proposed Treatment

Estimated Cost

($)

Hampshire Rd Salem 2 28 35 2,900

Install stop signs on the trail and pedestrian crossing

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Kelley Rd Salem 4 60 30 5,200

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs at the Kelley Road/Duffy Road

intersection. 1,500

Mall Drive (Best Buy) Salem 4 60 6 25

Align trail to cross at Route 28. Modify existing signal

system to provide pedestrian crossing equipment and

no right turn on red on both SB Route 28 and Mall

Driveway. Modify existing channel and median islands

to accommodate crosswalks.

15,000

Hagop Rd Salem 2 20 20

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Cluff Crossing (Dennys) Salem 4 48 6 35 13,000

Align trail to cross at Route 28. Modify existing signal

system to provide pedestrian crossing equipment.

Modify existing median island to accommodate

crosswalks. 15,000

Rockingham Park Blvd Salem 9 112 6 25 34,000

Overpass of Rockingham Park Boulevard including

ramp sections, if signal cannot accommodate

pedestrian phase. 700,000

Main St Salem 2 26 25 17,000

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Willow St Salem 2 30 20 1,000

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Old Rockingham Rd Salem 3 40 6 30

Align trail to cross at Route 28. Modify existing signal

system to provide pedestrian crossing equipment.

Modify existing median island to accommodate

crosswalks. 15,000

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Road Name

Town or

City

No. of

Lanes

Estimated

Road

Width (ft)

Estimated

Median

Width (ft)

Estimated

Travel

Speeds

(mph)

Average

Daily

Traffic

Proposed Treatment

Estimated

Cost ($)

Route 111 (Range Rd) Salem 6 80 6 35 20,000

Align trail to cross at Route 28. Modify existing signal

system to provide pedestrian crossing equipment and

no right turn on red at SB Route 28 and Route 111.

Modify existing channel and median islands to

accommodate crosswalks.

15,000

Roulston Rd Windham 2 24 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Depot Rd Windham 2 24 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Frost Rd Windham 2 24 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Windham Rd Windham 2 30 40 4,700

Install stop signs on trail and crosswalk with warning

signs on the road. Install new flashing warning beacon

over crossing.

5,500

Kendall Pond Rd Derry 2 24 40

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Hall Av Derry 2 20 20

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Nutfield Court Derry 2 20 20 Shared roadway and sidewalk.

South Av Derry 2 20 20

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

West Broadway Derry 2 40 30 20,000 Use existing crosswalk

Manning St Derry 2 24 25 1,500 Shared roadway and sidewalk.

Rollins St Derry 2 24 30 2,100 Use existing crosswalk

North High St Derry 2 24 35 2,500

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Rockingham Rd (Rt 28) Londonderry 2 24 35 19,000

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Liberty Dr Londonderry 2 24 30

Align trail to cross at Independence Drive. Install stop

signs on the trail and a crosswalk with warning signs

on the road.

1,500

Auburn Rd Londonderry 2 24 30 7,300

Align trail to cross at Independence Drive. Install stop

signs on the trail and a crosswalk with warning signs

on the road.

1,500

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Road Name

Town or

City

No. of

Lanes

Estimated

Road

Width (ft)

Estimated

Median

Width (ft)

Estimated

Travel

Speeds

(mph)

Average

Daily

Traffic

Proposed Treatment

Estimated

Cost ($)

Office Park Drive Londonderry 2

Add a sidewalk within remaining rail ROW. Bicycles

use road (shared roadway).

Symmes Rd Londonderry 2 24 35

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Unknown paved road Londonderry 2

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Clark Rd Londonderry 2 24 35 300

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Sanborn Rd Londonderry 2 24 25

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Route 28 Londonderry 2 32 45 15,000

Align trail to cross at Sanborn Road intersection.

Install a flashing beacon and conduct warrant analysis

for a pedestrian-activated traffic signal.

5,500

Mammoth Rd Londonderry 2 24 35 3,800

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Harvey Rd at Airport

Runway (90 degree turn)

Londonderry 2 30 40 4,000

Install crosswalk with warning signs on the road.

1,500

Perimeter Rd Manchester 2 32 40 7,400

Install stop signs on the trail and warning signs on the

road.

1,500

Gold St Manchester 2 24 30 4,000

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

South Beech St Manchester 2 24 30 10,000

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs on the road.

Queen City Av Manchester 4 52 40 22,000

Overpass of road or at-grade signalized bicycle and

pedestrian crossing

150,000

Depot St Manchester 2 25

Install stop signs on the trail and warning signs on the

road.

1,500

TOTAL

$955,500

na = not applicable (included in existing City of Manchester project funded through CMAQ funding)

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Most of these structures would not need to be modified for development of the

rail trail. This includes categories a, b and c. For category d - large culverts,

trail sections would be built up to the grade of the existing roads, where a

crossing would be installed.

This leaves only category e – bridges over watercourses. Three of the six

bridges are covered with significant amounts of fill so that the trail could be

built in the same manner as on level terrain. The other three bridges would

require building a deck for the trail on the existing deck of the railroad

structure. This is a fairly straightforward and inexpensive undertaking. Two

of the bridges are small (10 to 15 feet wide and 16 to 20 feet long). An

example is shown below of the bridge over Shields Brook in Londonderry.

The 70 foot long rail bridge over the Spicket River shown under Segment 1

has a ballast deck, which consists of stone on a concrete slab. The longest

bridge, a 150-foot wood trestle over Great Cojas Brook in Manchester, will

require redecking for the trail.

Table 3 lists the features of the major structures in Lawrence-Manchester

Railroad Corridor along with the proposed treatment, and estimated

construction cost, to rehabilitate the bridges for use as a shared

bicycle/pedestrian path.

Rail bridge over Shields Brook in Londonderry.

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Rail bridge over Great Cojas Brook in Manchester (Photo: John St. Hilaire)

Construction Cost. As stated in the previous section, the Manchester –

Lawrence railroad corridor is an ideal location to develop a paved bicycle and

pedestrian path. The corridor is relatively flat and is about 82 to 100 feet wide.

The path could be developed with a paved surface for bicycling and

wheelchairs and crushed-stone shoulders for walking and jogging. The path

connects residential areas to commercial, industrial and institutional land uses

and would serve commuting and other utilitarian travel needs. A path within

this railroad corridor would be relatively straight and direct. It connects town

centers in Salem, Derry and Manchester.

The order-of-magnitude construction cost for construction of the trail within

the Manchester – Lawrence Railroad corridor is estimated to be $47.00 per

linear foot based on the design illustrated in Figure 11 and NHDOT weighted

average bid prices for the third quarter of 2002.

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Table 3 Rail Structures (Manchester – Lawrence Branch)

Structure

Feature Name Town or City

Railroad

Stationing Photo No. Type

Lengt

h (ft)

Width

(ft) Proposed Treatment

Estimated

Cost ($)

Bridge # 55 over Spicket River Salem 1617+19 LH-01 Ballast Deck Pile

Trestle

70 16 None

Cattle pass Salem 1619+00 none Stone 8 40 None

Cattle pass Salem 1791+58 LH-02 Stone 16 20 None

Bridge #983 over dirt road Windham 1889+50 123-2322 Stone arch 60 50 None

Bridge #989 over dirt road Windham 1892+50 123-2321 Steel girder 40 20 None

Bowers Rd Derry 2138+50 123-2365 Unknown 33 100 new trail and GC

Bridge #15 over Beaver Brook Derry 2195+/- 123-2380 Stone arch 80 80 none

Bridge #1625 over Hornes Pond Derry 2229+/- 123-2395 Stone arch 10 60 none

Madden Rd Derry 2250+74 124-2401 Unknown 33 82 new trail and GC

Franklin St Bridge over RR Londonderry 2272+27 124-2408 Wood Trestle 40 45 none

Bridge #1716 over Shields Brook Londonderry 2276+63 124-2409 Iron Stringer 20 10 build trail deck $18,000

I-93 Bridges over RR Londonderry 2405+/- 124-2424 Steel 80 120 none

Bridge #2170 over Little Cojas Brook Londonderry 2516+50 none Conc slab 16 10 build trail deck $15,000

Bridge #2407 over Great Cojas Brook Manchester 2647+08 cojasbrook01 Wood Trestle 150 15 build trail deck $105,000

Goffs Falls Rd Bridge over RR Manchester 2656+50 none Unknown 65 105 none

I-293 Bridges over RR Manchester 2677+55 127-2735 Steel none

Elm St Bridge over RR Manchester 2781+00 none Steel/Conc. 280 60 none

TOTAL $138,000

GC = Grade crossing

RR = Railroad

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Figure 11 Rail to Trail Typical Section Cost Estimate by Linear Foot

The path in this corridor, commonly called a rail-to-trail, would also be

relatively economical to construct. While there would be about 37

locations where the path would cross a roadway, most of these

trail/roadway intersections would require only pavement markings and

signing. A fully signalized intersection or structure would only be required

at the trail’s intersection with Queen City Avenue and Rockingham Park

Boulevard. Of the 17 existing structures in the railroad corridor, few

would need to be modified for the trail. Redecking of three railroad

bridges over watercourses could be done at low cost.

Table 4 divides the rail-to-trail into 18 segments. Fifteen are within the

former right-of-way of the Manchester and Lawrence Branch. One trail

segment in Derry has already been constructed, and Manchester has

received a grant to construct a path in another. This leaves 19.1 miles of

rail-to-trail left to develop and another 0.4 mile path around the runway at

Manchester Airport. The order-of-magnitude construction cost for the 19.5

miles of trail including intersections and structure improvements is

estimated to be about $6.1 million as itemized in Table 4. This does not

include the cost of right-of-way acquisition in Salem and Londonderry.

The cost to either purchase the right-of-way or obtain a permanent

easement would be in addition to the figure noted above.

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Table 4 Trail Segments (Manchester – Lawrence Branch)

Length Estimated Costs ($)

Seg. No. From Location to Location Town or City Owner Feet Miles Trail Intersections Structures TOTAL

1 Hampshire Road to Kelley Road Salem Guilford and State** 5,778 1.1 271,566 1,500 273,066

2 Kelley Road to Rockingham Park Blvd Salem State 5,480 1.0 257,560 33,000 290,560

3 Rockingham Park Blvd to Main Street Salem State 5,200 1.0 244,400 700,000 944,400

4 Main Street to Route 111 Salem State 9,748 1.8 458,156 18,000 476,156

5 Route 111 to Depot Road Salem & Windham State 21,552 4.1 1,012,944 16,500 1,029,444

6 Depot Road to Kendall Pond Road Windham & Derry State and Derry 12,400 2.3 582,800 8,500 591,300

7 Kendall Pond Road to West Broadway Derry Derry 4,300 0.8 na 4,500 na 4,500

8 West Broadway to North High Street Derry Derry 3,000 0.6 141,000 0 141,000

North High Street to Rockingham Road Derry &

Londonderry

Delaware Rock Inc.

5,600 1.1 263,200 1,500 $18,000 282,700

10 Rockingham Road to Auburn Road Londonderry State 8,700 1.6 408,900 3,000 411,900

11 Auburn Road to Route 28 Londonderry State 8,545 1.6 401,615 7,500 409,115

12 Route 28 to Harvey Road Londonderry State 6,615 1.3 310,905 8,500 $15,000 334,405

13*

Harvey Road Londonderry &

Manchester

8,000 1.5 0

14* Path around Airport Runway Manchester 1,900 0.4 258,500 258,500

15* Perimeter Road Manchester 1,100 0.2 0

16 Perimeter Road to Goffs Falls Road Manchester Manchester 2,115 0.4 99,405 1,500 $105,000 205,905

17 Goffs Falls Road to South Beech Street Manchester Manchester 8,110 1.5 na na na na

18 South Beech Street to Depot Street Manchester Manchester 6,240 1.2 293,280 151,500 444,780

TOTAL 124,383 23.6

Subtotal Rail

Trail*** 102,873 19.5 $5,004,231 $955,500 $138,000 $6,097,731

* not in former railroad right of way

**Guilford owns corridor south of Spicket River.

***excluding Segment 7 (already built by Derry) and Segment 17 (City of Manchester project funded through CMAQ program); includes trail around

airport runway.

CMAQ = Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program

Salem to Concord Bikeway, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 41

4.3 Concord – Portsmouth Railroad Corridor

Much of the abandoned Concord – Portsmouth line between Hooksett and

the Merrimack River in Concord was either walked or observed from

nearby access points. This abandoned rail corridor passes through portions

of Hooksett, Allenstown, Pembroke and Concord for a distance of 5.8

miles. All segments of the railroad have been abandoned and are either

publicly or privately owned. The following section describes the corridor

from south to north and is divided into four segments. Three tables are

provided at the end of this section summarizing the analysis of the grade

crossings, structures, and trail segments.

4.3.1 Description of Existing Corridor

1. Hooksett

This section begins in Hooksett on the east side of the Merrimack River at

the Hooksett District Court located on Merrimack Street. The active B &

M Railroad continues at this point on the west side of the Merrimack

River and the old piers for the abandoned rail are still in place in the river.

The abandoned rail corridor continues north in Hooksett for approximately

one mile along the east bank of the river.

Current ownership of the abandoned corridor includes the Town of

Hooksett at the southerly limit, the Hooksett Land Trust, and one private

owner in the northerly end. There are no grade crossings, or intersections

with existing streets along this section of the corridor and the only access

point is Merrimack Street at the Court House. There are also no major

structures required along this segment of the corridor

2. Allenstown

This section begins at the Hooksett townline and continues north through

Allenstown for a distance of just over 0.6 miles. The corridor is located a

good distance east of the river. The corridor is well defined and graded

until it enters the Mill Building area of Suncook Village. For a short

distance it is located within the right-of-way of Canal Street. North of

Canal Street the abandoned railroad corridor crosses the Allenstown

Canal. The granite abutments remain intact for this fifty foot crossing, but

the bridge has been removed.

The Pembroke townline is located midway across the Suncook River and

again the granite abutments remain intact for this 100-foot crossing, but

the bridge has been removed. In Allenstown the right-of-way is currently

privately owned by both Levi Ladd and Hodgson and Sons.

Salem – Concord Bikeway, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 42

3. Pembroke

The corridor continues in Pembroke on the north side of the Suncook

River where it crosses at grade with Bridge Street Extension. The corridor

continues north parallel to the Merrimack River and passes near a few

residential neighborhoods. The next crossing is located at White Sands

Road. It then continues north to the Concord townline located at the

midpoint of the Soucook River. The granite abutments remain for this fifty

foot crossing, but the bridge has been removed.

Concord-Portsmouth Railroad Corridor in Pembroke – looking north

The abandoned railroad in Pembroke would provide a continuous trail of

approximately 2.2 miles. Ownership of the railroad is a combination of

public and private parties including the Town of Pembroke, PSNH, and

several private owners.

4. Concord

The abandoned railroad continues into Concord on the east side of the

Merrimack River. A segment approximately 1.9 miles is situated between

the Pembroke townline and the Merrimack River in South Concord. The

railroad passes close to the westerly end of Garvins Falls Road in the

segment but provides no other grade crossings. The Merrimack River

Bridge has been removed but the abutments and piers for this 470 foot

crossing remain.

4.3.2 Design

Similar to the Lawrence – Manchester corridor, this railroad corridor is

also an ideal location to develop a paved bicycle and pedestrian path. The

Salem to Concord Bikeway, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 43

corridor is relatively flat and has no ROW intrusions. That is, no major

structures have been built within the ROW.

Typical Cross Sections. This option would require construction of a trail

in the bed of the former railroad. Based on input from the advisory

committee and public meetings, the trail would be 12 feet wide with a 2.5

inch thick bituminous concrete (asphalt) surface course. Three-foot wide

shoulders would be provided on both sides of the path. The shoulders

would have a 4-inch surface course of crushed stone. A 10-inch gravel

base would be provided under the trail and shoulders. A typical cross

section is shown below.

Proposed Typical Section - Concord-Portsmouth Railroad Corridor

At-Grade Crossings. This corridor has only five intersections with

roadways. Crossings of the proposed trail within the former railroad ROW

with roadways at the same elevation (at grade) require evaluation and

design. The five roadways which the trail would cross are low speed, low

volume two-lane roads. Section 4.2.2 describes the evaluation process and

various design alternatives available for at-grade crossings. Table 5

summarizes the at grade crossings.

Structures. Four (4) major structures are located within the railroad

corridor and are listed in Table 6. Each structure crosses a major waterway

and would require construction of a new bridge deck. Only the piers exist

for these structures.

Construction Cost. The order-of-magnitude construction cost for

construction of the trail within the Concord - Portsmouth Railroad corridor

is estimated to be $47.00 per linear foot based on the design illustrated in

Figure 11 and NHDOT weighted average bid prices for the third quarter of

2002. The order-of-magnitude construction cost for the 5.8 miles of trail

including intersections and structure improvements is estimated to be

Salem – Concord Bikeway, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 44

about $2.8 million as itemized in Table 7. This figure does not include the

cost of right-of-way acquisition or obtaining permanent easements over

the many segments currently in private ownership.

Salem to Concord Bikeway, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 45

Table 5 Rail Trail/Roadway Grade Crossings and On-road Segments (Concord – Portsmouth Branch)

Road Name

Town or

City

No. of

Lanes

Estimated

Road

Width (ft)

Estimated

Median

Width (ft)

Estimated

Travel

Speeds

(mph)

Average

Daily

Traffic Proposed Treatment

Estimated

Cost ($)

Merrimack Street Hooksett

2 24 N/A 30

Install stop signs on the trail and pedestrian crossing

warning signs on the road.

1,500

Canal Street Allenstown

2 24 N/A 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs at the 1,500

Bridge Street Ext. Pembroke

2 24 N/A 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs at the 1,500

White Sands Road Pembroke

2 24 N/A 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs at the 1,500

Garvins Falls Road Concord

2 24 N/A 30

Install stop signs on the trail and a crosswalk with

warning signs at the 1,500

TOTAL 7,500

Table 6 Rail Structures (Concord – Portsmouth Branch)

Structure

Feature Name Town or City

Railroad

Stationing Photo No. Type

Length

(ft) Width (ft)

Proposed

Treatment

Estimated

Cost ($)

Bridge over Allentown Canal Allenstown 115+00 Stone Piers

Remaining

50 12 New Deck / railings 100,000

Bridge over Suncook River Allenstown/

Pembroke town

line

118+15

Stone Piers

Remaining

95 12 New Deck / railings 200,000

Bridge over Soucook River Pembroke/

Concord

town line

270+64

Stone Piers

Remaining

50 12 New Deck / railings 100,000

Bridge over Merrimack River

Concord

Stone Piers

remaining

470 12 New Deck / railings 900,000

TOTAL

1,300,000

Salem – Concord Bikeway, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 46

Table 7 Trail Segments (Concord – Portsmouth Branch)

Length Estimated Costs ($)

Seg. No. From Location to Location Town or City Owner Feet Miles Trail

Intersect-

ions

Structures TOTAL

1 Merrimack Street to Allenstown Hooksett Town of Hooksett and

Private

5,453 1.0 $257,000 $2,000 0 $259,000

2 Allenstown town line to Pembroke town line Allenstown Levi Ladd and Hodgson

and Sons

3,375 0.6 $159,000 $2,000 $300,000 $461,000

3 Pembroke town line to Concord town line Pembroke Town of Pembroke and

private

11,879 2.3 $558,000 $3,000 $100,000 $661,000

4 Concord town line to Merrimack River Concord

Private

9,936 1.9 $467,000 $2,000 $900,000 $1,369,000

TOTAL

5.8 $2,750,000

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 47

4.4 New Hampshire Heritage Trail Segments

The New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a proposed 230 mile trail traversing

the length of the state from Massachusetts to Canada. It would connect

diverse landscapes and communities. A preliminary corridor has been

chosen running north from Massachusetts along the Merrimack River to

Franklin where it joins the Pemigewasset River and goes through

Franconia Notch to Lancaster, then follows the Connecticut River to

Canada. Hiking is envisioned throughout the trail with other uses

including bicycling at the option of each community. Communities design,

build and maintain local Heritage Trail segments. Overall trail

development is guided by the statewide Heritage Trail Advisory

Committee in cooperation with the NH Department of Resources and

Economic Development.

4.4.1 Manchester

Figure 12 Heritage Trail, Downtown Manchester

Figure 12 shows the Heritage Trail section in downtown Manchester.

Portions of the Heritage Trail along the river between the Granite Street

and Amoskeag bridges may be appropriate for pedestrians connecting to a

trail within the Manchester – Lawrence rail corridor. Cyclists coming from

the rail trail are more likely to use Canal Street or a similar roadway to

travel through downtown to points north.

The City of Manchester plans to continue the Heritage Trail north of the

Amoskeag Bridge to Hooksett. The only area north of the Amoskeag

“The New Hampshire Heritage Trail and your community,” brochure produced by NH

Heritage Trail Advisory Committee (undated).

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 48

Bridge owned by the City is at Stark Park. The State of New Hampshire

Health and Human Services Department has a memorandum of

understanding with the City for trail use at the Youth Development Center.

Further north, the City has a license agreement with Derryfield School and

an encroachment agreement with NHDOT for property under Interstate

93. The City does not have any agreements for portions of the trail

between the Amoskeag Bridge and Stark Park.

4.4.2. Hooksett

The Hooksett portion of the Heritage Trail is currently being developed by

the Hooksett Heritage Trail Committee. A preliminary route has been

identified (see Figure 13) and the committee, with assistance from the

town, is in the process of acquiring property easements along the proposed

route. The following describes the current route of the Hooksett Heritage

Trail and possible connections to the on-road segments of the proposed

bikeway in Manchester and to the southerly endpoint of the Concord-

Portsmouth Railroad.

The proposed rail-trail option would join the Hooksett Heritage Trail at

the bend on Depot Road, located approximately 700 feet north of the

Manchester/Hooksett town line. The trail leaves Depot Road and

continues through undeveloped land for a distance of 3 miles where is

intersects Dale Road. The trail travels along Dale Road (0.7 miles) to the

northerly endpoint of Dale Road and then turns west towards the active

rail corridor along undeveloped land. The trail follows the easterly layout

line of the rail corridor for approximately one half mile where it crosses

the Merrimack River on the Lilac Bridge. At this point the Heritage Trail

provides an option of remaining on the east side of the river and

proceeding onto Merrimack Street.

It is suggested that the Merrimack Street option be utilized in order to

provide access the to the southerly end point of the Concord-Portsmouth

Railroad corridor located approximately 0.8 miles north of the Merrimack

Street/Main Street intersection.

E-mail from Ronald Johnson, Manchester Department of Parks, Recreation and

Cemeteries, February 24, 2003.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 49

Figure 13 Heritage Trail, Hooksett

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 50

4.5 Continuous On-Road Option between Salem and

Concord

The development of a continuous on road connection for bicyclists and

pedestrians between Salem and Concord began with study of The New

Hampshire Regional Bicycle Maps – Merrimack Valley Region South and

Merrimack Valley Region North. These maps, prepared in 2002 by the

NHDOT, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Advisory Board,

Regional Planning Commissions and experienced cyclists, depict a

network of roadways designated as statewide or regional bike routes. The

most direct route between Salem and Concord was identified and

presented to the Citizens Advisory Committee and to residents of the

study area at the two public information meetings. Based on comments

received from committee members and residents, the route was modified

slightly and then evaluated by Rizzo Associates, Inc. staff.

The route was evaluated for 1) safety, and specifically, conformance to the

Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (American Association of

State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO),1999);

2) convenience for cyclists; and 3) cost of constructing the improvements.

Within the study area, a number of roadway segments were considered.

Each roadway segment was evaluated with respect to:

 road width

 road cross section (lane arrangement, median, etc)

 posted and observed travel speeds

 grade

 traffic volumes

 travel speeds

 points of conflict (intersections, major driveways, etc.)

 directness

The evaluation consisted of field investigation and collection of available

traffic data. The field investigation consisted of measuring

pavement/travel lane widths, noting sidewalks, curbing, on-street parking

and highlighting pinch points (i.e. an area on a roadway where there is an

abrupt change in the roadway’s cross section). Table 8 provides a

summary of roadway characteristics for the segments which form the on-

road option.

The following section briefly describes the on-road option from south to

north. The route is approximately 36 miles long, encompasses 18 roadway

links and travels through eight communities. In Derry, an approximately

2.5 mile section of this option will utilize the abandoned Manchester-

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 51

Table 8 On Road Option Summary of Roadway Segment by Town

Town Road Link Length Cross Section Sidewalk Curb

On-

Street

Parking

Posted

Speed

Observed

Speed Grade

Ave.

Daily

Traffic

(2003) Land Use

TOWN OF SALEM

Salem Route 38 I-93 Overpass to S.

Policy Road approach

0.2 Miles 40' wide with 6' shoulders No No No 30 mph 40 to 45

mph

flat 11,000 residential

Salem Route 38 Through Route 38/S.

Policy Road

intersection

0.1 Miles varies - as wide as 70' with 2'

shoulders

No No No 0 to 40 mph flat 11,000 commercial

Salem Route 38 End of S. Policy Road

intersection to

Enterprise Drive

0.1 Miles varies - as wide as 50' with

no shoulders visible

No No No 30 mph 40 mph flat 11,000 commercial

Salem Route 38 Enterprise Drive to Mall

Road

0.2 Miles 28' wide with 2' shoulders

visible

No No No 35 to 40

mph

flat 11,000 commercial

Salem Pleasant

Street

Mall Road to back

entrance to

Rockingham Park

0.5 Miles 28' wide with 2' shoulders

visible

No No No 35 to 40

mph

flat 5,000 residential

Salem Pleasant

Street

Back Entrance to

Rockingham Park to

Main Street

0.4 Miles 25' wide with 2' to 3'

shoulders

Yes - on

one side

(switches)

Yes at

side-

walks

No 30 mph flat 5,000 residential

Salem Main Street Pleasant Street to N.

Policy Road

0.4 Miles 32' wide with 3' to 4'

shoulders

Yes - on

both sides

(5' to 7')

Yes No 30 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate 16,000 residential

and

commercial

Salem N. Policy

Road

Main Street to

Windham Town line

1.8 Miles 24' wide with 1' shoulders Yes - on

both sides

(5')

Yes at

side-

walk

No 30 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate 8,000 residential

and

amusement

park

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN SALEM

3.7 miles

TOWN OF WINDHAM

Windham N. Policy

Road

Salem Town line to

Route 111

0.1 Miles 24' wide with 1' shoulders Yes - on

both sides

(5')

Yes No 30 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate 8,000 residential

Windham Route 111 N. Policy Road to turn

at Route 111A

0.9 Miles 26' wide with 1' to 2'

shoulders visible

No No No 35 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate 18,000 residential

Windham Route 111

Route 111A to I-93 NB

Bridge 0.3 Miles

varies - as wide as 45' with 3'

to 5' shoulders No No No 40 mph

40 to 45

mph flat 23,000 open

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 52

Town Road Link Length Cross Section Sidewalk Curb

On-

Street

Parking

Posted

Speed

Observed

Speed

Grade

Ave.

Daily

Traffic

(2003) Land Use

Windham Route 111

I-93 NB Bridge to

beginning of Commons

Area 1.3 Miles 42' with 5' to 7' shoulders No No No 40 mph

40 to 45

mph moderate 23,000 retail

Windham Route 111

Beginning of Commons

Area to Church Street 0.3 Miles

varies - as wide as 58' with no

shoulders No No No 40 mph

40 to 45

mph moderate 23,000 retail

Windham Route 111

Church Street to N.

Lowell Street 0.2 Miles 44' wide with 6' shoulders No No No 40 mph moderate 23,000 residential

Windham

N. Lowell

Street

Route 111 to junction

with rail line 2.8 Miles 25' wide with 1' to 2' shoulders No No No 35 mph

35 to 40

mph moderate 5,000

wooded/

residential

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN

WINDHAM 5.9 miles

TOWN OF DERRY

Derry

Rollins

Street

Begin at RR and Hood

Park to Maple Street 0.1 Miles

24' wide travel way with 0'-2'

shoulders no No No 30 mph 30 mph moderate 2,100 mix-urban

Derry Maple Street

Rollins Street to Ash

Street 0.1 Miles

22'-24' wide with no

shoulders no No No 30 mph 30 mph steep 2,000 mix-urban

Derry Ash Street

Maple Street to Town

Line (includes Ash

Street Ext) 0.8 Miles

24' wide travel way with 0-2'

shoulders no No No 35 mph

35 to 40

mph moderate 6,700 residential

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN DERRY 1.0 miles

TOWN OF LONDONDERRY

Londonderry Ash St

Londonderry/Derry

town line to Pillsbury

Street 1.3 Miles 22'-24' wide with 0' shoulders No No No 35 mph

30 to 45

mph moderate 6,100

commercial

and

residential

Londonderry Pillsbury St

Ash Street to Route

128 1.4 Miles 22'-24' wide with 0' shoulders No No No

30 to 45

mph steep 6,000

commercial

and

residential

Londonderry Route 128

Pillsbury Street to

Route 28

3.2 Miles

varies - as wide as 28' with 0'

to 10' shoulders

No No No

25 mph -

50 mph

20 to 60

mph

steep 11,000 commercial

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 53

Town Road Link Length Cross Section Sidewalk Curb

On-

Street

Parking

Posted

Speed

Observed

Speed

Grade

Ave.

Daily

Traffic

(2003) Land Use

London-

derry

Mammoth

Route 28 to

Manchester/Londonder

ry town line

1.5 Miles varies - as wide as 60' with 0'

to 4' shoulders

No No No 40 mph 40 to 50

mph

flat 15,100 commercial

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN

LONDONDERRY

7.4 Miles

CITY OF MANCHESTER

Manchester Mammoth

Town Line to I-293 1.7 Miles varies - wide travel way with

2' shoulders

No No No 35 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate 10,000 residential

Manchester Mammoth

I-293 to Huse Road 0.8 Miles 24' travel way with 0-2'

shoulders

Yes Yes No 35 mph 35 mph moderate 11,000 residential/

urban

Manchester Mammoth

Huse Road to Bridge

Street

1.7 Miles Variable width, turn lanes, 0-

2' shoulder, traffic signals

Yes Yes No 30 mph 30 to 35

mph

moderate 17,000 urban/mix

Manchester Mammoth

Bridge Street to town

line

1.6 Miles Variable width, wide travel

way, 0-8' shoulder

Yes Yes No 30 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate/

steep

13,000 residential

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN

MANCHESTER

5.8 Miles

TOWN OF HOOKSETT

Hooksett Route 28A/

Route 28

Hooksett/Manchester

town line to Main

Street

4.3 Miles varies - as wide as 60' with 0'

to 5' shoulders

Only near

the Man-

chester

line

Yes -at

side-

walks

No 35 mph -

45 mph

near

Man-

chester

line

30 to 60

mph

moderate 6,000 to

32,000

commercial

Hooksett Main Street Route 28 to Pine

Street

0.8 Miles 25' wide with 0' to 2'

shoulders

Yes - on

bridge

over the

river

Yes No 30 mph -

20 mph

at school

30 mph moderate 6,300 residential

Hooksett Pine Street Main Street to town

line

0.9 Miles 25' wide with 0' to 2'

shoulders

No No No 30 mph 30 mph moderate 2,200 residential

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN

HOOKSETT

6.0 Miles

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 54

Town Road Link Length Cross Section Sidewalk Curb

On-

Street

Parking

Posted

Speed

Observed

Speed

Grade

Ave.

Daily

Traffic

(2003) Land Use

TOWN OF BOW

Bow Bow Bog Rd Bow/Hooksett town

line to Bow Center

Road

3.4 Miles 27' wide with 0' to 3'

shoulders

No No No 30 mph 35 to 40

mph

moderate 2,200 residential

Bow Bow Center

Bow Bog Road to

Logging Hill Road

1.8 Miles 30' wide with 2' to 8'

shoulders

No No No 35 mph -

25 mph

at school

35 to 45

mph

moderate residential

Bow Logging Hill

Bow Center Road to

I89

1.3 Miles 30' wide with 2' to 4'

shoulders

No No Yes 35 mph 45 mph steep 7,300 residential

Bow South St I-89 to Bow/Concord

town line

0.2 Miles

20'-22' wide with 1'

shoulders

No No No 30 mph 0 to 40

mph

moderate 8,100 commercial

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN

BOW

6.7 miles

CITY OF CONCORD

Concord South St Bow/Concord town

line to Iron Works

Road

0.9 Miles 24' wide with 1' to 2'

shoulders

Yes - east

side only

Yes -

side-

walks

No 30 mph 40 mph flat 4,700 residential

TOTAL LENGTH OF ROADWAY IN

CONCORD

0.9 miles

TOTAL LENGTH OF ON-ROAD OPTION

35.8 miles

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 55

Lawrence railroad corridor. This option is segmented by community.

Following the description of the on-road option is a discussion of the

feasibility of modifying the existing roadways to accommodate

bicyclists and pedestrians.

4.5.1 Description of Existing Roadways

1. Salem

The on-road option begins on Route 38 at the I-93 overpass southwest

of The Mall at Rockingham Park and continues for 3.7 miles through

Salem. Through Salem, the route includes Route 38, Pleasant Street,

Main Street and North Policy Road. Travel speeds on each of these

roads were observed at between 30 and 45 mph, although posted speed

limits were generally 30 mph. None of the roads had on-street parking

and only the northerly section of Pleasant Street, Main Street and

North Policy Road included sidewalks. Major intersections include

Route 38/South Policy Road, Pleasant Street/Main Street and Main

Street/North Policy Road. Each of these intersections is under traffic

signal control. It was noted at the first Citizen’s Advisory Committee

meeting that North Policy Road is narrow with limited shoulders and

right of way and carries a high percentage of truck traffic. The road

also experiences a significant increase in traffic volumes when

Canobie Lake Park is open in the summer. A photo of North Policy

Road is provided below.

Looking north on North Policy Street

2. Windham

The on-road option continues in Windham along North Policy Road,

Route 111 and North Lowell Street. Route 111, between Route 111A

and North Lowell Street, is a high speed arterial roadway carrying

approximately 23,000 vehicles per day. However, wide shoulders are

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 56

generally provided on both sides of the street and could be used for

bicycle lanes. Major signalized intersections are located at Route

111A/Route 111 and Route 111/Commons Shopping Center

Driveway. Approximately half of the on-road route in Windham

follows North Lowell Street. North Lowell Street travels through farm

lands, wooded areas and residential areas. It carries approximately

8,000 vehicles per day and provides two travel lanes and narrow

shoulders. North Lowell Street intersects the Manchester and

Lawrence railroad corridor at approximately the Windham/Derry

townline. Photos of Route 111 and North Lowell Street are provided

below.

Route 111 looking north, between I93 and The Commons

North Lowell Street looking north, south of the Windham/Derry townline

As a viable on-road option was not identified by the Citizens Advisory

Committee for the southern area of Derry, it was suggested that the on-

road option include an off road section along the Manchester

Lawrence railroad corridor. Thus, the route continues north on the

railroad corridor beginning at the Windham/Derry townline, traveling

off-road through Derry until Rollins Street

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 57

3. Derry

The on-road option travels for approximately 1 mile in Derry along

Rollins, Maple and Ash Streets. These roads generally carry low traffic

volumes; have 24 foot wide sections and narrow (one to two foot) or

no shoulders. Although the route follows Maple Street for only 0.1

miles, the grade is steep on this roadway. In addition, the intersection

of Maple Street and Ash Street is at a skewed angle, involves steep

approach grades and has poor sight distance.

4. Londonderry

The longest segment (7.4 miles) of the on-road option is located in

Londonderry. The route enters Londonderry on Ash Street, crosses

over I-93 onto Pillsbury Road where it continues until Route 128. The

route then proceeds on Route 128/Route 28 to the

Londonderry/Manchester town line.

Both Ash Street and Pillsbury Road are two lane roads with no

shoulders and have moderate to steep grades (as seen in the photos

below).

Ash Street looking east

Pillsbury Road looking west

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 58

In Londonderry, both Route 128 and Route 28 have varying cross-

sections, generally travel through heavy commercial areas and carry

between 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles per day. Travel speeds range

between 25 and 60 mph. At the Londonderry/Manchester townline the

route continues onto Route 28A (South Mammoth Road).

Route 128 looking south

5. Manchester

The on-road option travels entirely through Manchester on Mammoth

Road for a distance of 5.8 miles. Traffic volumes range from 10,000 to

17,000 vehicles per day and the posted speed limit is 30-35 mph.

Mammoth Road has been broken down to four segments in

Manchester due to varying land use, cross section, and character of the

roadway.

The first section begins at the town line and continues north for 1.7

miles to Interstate 293. The roadway passes through residential

neighborhoods and provides a wide travel way with 2’ shoulders and

sidewalks on both sides. The second segment continues from I-293

and runs 0.8 miles north to Huse Road. This segment is more densely

developed with a mix of residential and commercial uses. The cross

section remains the same as the first section, but there is a higher

number of driveways along this section. The third section includes

Mammoth Road between Huse Road and Bridge Street and covers 1.7

miles. This section passes through a densely developed urban area.

There are numerous driveways and three major signalized intersections

with additional turn lanes. The 2’shoulders and sidewalks continue

through this heavily traveled section. The final sect ion continues north

to the Hooksett town line and covers 1.6 miles. This section is less

densely developed and passes through primarily residential areas. It

provides a wide travel way with variable width shoulders up to 8’

wide; however the observed speeds were above the posted 35 mph

limit.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

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Mammoth Road between I-293 and Huse Road

Mammoth Road between Huse Road and Bridge Street

Mammoth Road between Bridge Street and the Hooksett town line

6. Hooksett

Through Hooksett, the on-road option travels along Route 28A

(Mammoth Road), Martins Ferry Road, Route 28 Bypass, Route 28,

Main Street and Pine Street. The southerly portion of Route

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28A/Route 28 travels through heavily commercialized areas

characterized by numerous traffic signals and intersections. The road

widens to as much as 60 feet in some areas and carries a high volume

of traffic. The northerly segment of Route 28 carries approximately

32,000 vehicles per day and travels through a mix of commercial and

residential areas.

Route 28 looking north at Walmart Driveway

On Main Street the route passes through predominately residential

areas, past the Village School and crosses the Merrimack River. The

Merrimack River bridge includes wide shoulders and a sidewalk as

shown in the photo below.

Main Street Bridge in Hooksett

Pine Street is a local roadway characterized by low traffic volumes and

travel speeds.

7. Bow

Bow Bog Road, Bow Center Road, Logging Hill Road and South

Street form the Bow segment of the on-road option. With the

exception of South Street, these roads are typically 30 feet wide, have

varying shoulder widths and moderate to steep grades. The Bow

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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Memorial Elementary School is located along this route on Bow

Center Road.

Bow Bog Road looking south

Bow Center Road looking north at Bow Memorial School

Logging Hill Road looking north at I-89

Logging Hill Road continues as South Street north of I-89 and is a

narrow roadway traveling through commercial development.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

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8. Concord

The on-road option enters Concord on South Street and ends at Iron

Works Road, a distance of approximately 0.9 miles. South Street, in

Concord is a residential roadway with a sidewalk on the east side of

the road. The road has narrow shoulders and a fairly level grade. From

South Street cyclists and pedestrians may choose from a variety of

streets that bring them to downtown, the medical area on Pleasant

Street, or the schools in the south end.

South Street looking north from Bow/Concord town line

4.5.2 On-Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design

Proposed Typical Sections. In order for the on-road option to meet

the criteria as stated in the Project Purpose and Need and specifically

for the option to be desirable to a wide range of cyclists, improvements

would be necessary for many of the roadway segments. A preferred

shared roadway, that is one for use by automobiles and cyclists, would

possess certain geometric dimensions. These include at a minimum

travel lanes for automobiles of 11-12 feet and paved shoulders of 4

feet. Not all of the roadways necessarily need to provide these

dimensions, but those carrying moderate to high traffic volumes and

displaying higher travel speeds should be improved to meet the desired

cross section to consider the on-road option a viable alternative. These

would be considered the priority roadway segments and other links

could be upgraded at a later time. The roadways requiring

improvements could be upgraded to either include a 4-foot shoulder at

a minimum or a 4-foot shoulder, curbing and sidewalks for

pedestrians. Typical cross-sections for both options are shown in

Figure 14.

Construction Costs. Construction would include box widening on

both sides of the roadway to provide shoulders, granite curbing,

bituminous sidewalks, incidental storm drainage, and slope treatments.

These construction costs would range from $110 per linear foot for

shoulder widening and pavement overlay to $200 per linear foot if

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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curbing and sidewalk were included. Table 9 summarizes by

community the construction cost estimates for both cross-sections.

Figure 14 Typical Roadway Sections

The cost per linear foot for roadway improvements ranges from $110 to

$200. These are construction costs only and do not include engineering,

permitting, and right-of-way costs. Widening of some of the roadway

links to include shoulders and sidewalks will likely require right-of-way

acquisition.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 64

Table 9 Road Segments Requiring Improvements and Estimated Construction

Costs

Roadway Segment Length (Miles)

Option 1 – Shoulder Widening with

Pavement Overlay

Option 2 – Shoulder Widening,

Curbing, Sidewalks and

Pavement Overlay

Cost per

Linear Foot

Total Cost

Cost Per Linear

Foot

Total Cost

Salem

Pleasant Street 0.9 $110 $522,720 $200 $950,400

Main Street 0.4 $110 $232,320 $200 $422,400

North Policy Street 1.8 $110 $1,045,440 $200 $1.900,800

Subtotal - Salem 3.1 $110 $1,800,480 $200 $3,273,600

Windham

North Policy Road 0.1 $110 $58,080 $200 $105,600

N. Lowell Street 2.8 $110 $1,626,240 $200 $2,956,800

Subtotal - Windham 2.9 $110 $1,684,320 $200 $3,062,400

Derry

Ash Street 0.8 $110 $464,640 $200 $844,800

Subtotal – Derry 0.8 $110 $464,640 $200 $844,800

Londonderry

Ash Street 1.3 $110 $755,040 $200 $1,372,800

Pillsbury Street 1.4 $110 $813,120 $200 $1,478,400

Subtotal - Londonderry 2.7 $110 $1,568,160 $200 $2,851,200

Hooksett

Main Street 0.8 $110 $464,640 $200 $844,800

Pine Street 0.9 $110 $522,720 $200 $950,400

Subtotal – Hooksett 1.7 $110 $987,360 $200 $1,795,200

Bow

Bow Bog Road 3.4 $110 $1,974,720 $200 $3,590,400

Subtotal - Bow 3.4 $110 $1,974,720 $200 $3,590,400

TOTAL 13.0 $8,479,680 $15,417,600

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

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4.6 Other On-Road Links/Considered/Suggested

Through field observation and feedback from the Advisory Committee

and the public at-large, several alternative roadway links were identified

and considered. In addition, the off-road option on abandoned railroads

required on-road links to provide a continuous route.

Bow. In Bow, it was suggested that Edgewater and River Road be

considered in lieu of Bow Bog Road and Bow Center Road. Edgewater

Road is signed as no-trespassing, and therefore Johnson Road was

considered. The route would continue in to Bow as previously described

and enter into Bow on Route 3A for a very short distance to Johnson

Road. The option would continue north on Johnson Road for 0.7 miles.

The roadway is 24’ wide with little or no shoulders, very low traffic

volumes and sparsely developed. Continuing onto River Road for a

distance of 2.9 miles and join back onto Route 3A in the northerly end of

Bow near Grappone Junction. River Road provides 24’ of pavement

with little or no shoulder on a relatively flat grade.

Manchester. In Manchester, an on-road option was considered

beginning at the northerly end of the Manchester Lawrence Railroad.

This on-road link includes Depot Street, Canal Street, and River Road.

Depot Street provides wide travel lanes with no shoulder or sidewalks,

and carries low traffic volumes. Canal Street parallels Elm Street and

passes through the Mill District for a distance of 1.3 miles. It provides a

four lane median divided cross section with sidewalk on the east side. It

is posted at 30 mph, carries high volumes of traffic and passes through

several signalized intersections. The on-road option continues on River

Road for a distance of 3.0 miles to the Hooksett town line. The roadway

passes through residential areas and is posted at 30 mph. The cross

section includes wide travel lanes (28’ +/-) with sidewalks on both sides.

Hooksett. This on-road option continues into Hooksett on North River

Road. Continuing northerly for a distance of 0.5 miles, the roadway

provides two 12’ lanes with little or no shoulder and no sidewalks. It

passes through residential neighborhoods and both the Derryfield High

School and Southern NH University.

From North River Road, the option turns onto Depot Road and continues

for 0.2 miles to the Hooksett Heritage Trail network. Depot Road is a

narrow single lane roadway providing access to one business.

On the northern end of the Heritage trail in Hooksett, an on-road option

or link is again required to connect to the abandoned railroad to the

north. This option includes Merrimack Street from Main Street to the

Hooksett Town Courthouse, a distance of 0.8 miles. Merrimack Street is

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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posted at 30 mph, provides two 12 travel lanes with no shoulder. The

roadway is posted for no parking, however many homes are located

close the edge of pavement and many driveways exist along this section.

Pembroke/Concord. The final alternate on-road link is in Pembroke

and Concord. This link provides options to continue north from the

abandoned rail corridor. White Sands Road intersects the abandoned

railroad corridor at the White Sands Conservation Area in Pembroke.

The on-road option would begin here and continue on White Sands Road

for a very short distance (less than 0.1 miles) to Bow Lane. Bow Lane is

residential neighborhood street approximately 20 feet wide. It is posted

at 25 mph and carries very low volumes fro a distance of 0.7 miles. Bow

Lane Road continues to Route 3. Route 3 provides two travel lanes with

8’ shoulders and sidewalks along a portion of the road. Speeds were

observed in excess of the posted 35 mph limit, and traffic volumes are

relatively high. Route 3 continues into Concord, where users will have

the ability to access the downtown and other points of interest on a

variety of roadway links.

Another option to connect the abandoned rail in Concord to the roadway

network occurs at Garvins Falls Road. Garvins Falls Road is a narrow,

steep residential street that runs from the railroad and Merrimack River

north to Route 3. Traffic volumes and travel speeds are very low on this

roadway link.

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5.0 Recommended Route

A series of options for a continuous bicycle facility from Salem to

Concord were identified and analyzed in the previous chapter. The

options fall within three broad categories:

1. Interstate 93 bicycle path

2. Other off-road options

3. On-road options

In addition to each stand alone option, combinations of the three were

also evaluated. Each option provided a certain degree of advantages and

disadvantages as noted by the CAC and the general public at the public

meetings. The following provides a summary of the general advantages

and disadvantages of the options.

I-93 Bike Path

Advantages: – exclusive paved pathway

– connections to future park and ride lots

– maximum grade of 5 percent

Disadvantages: – access/connections to neighborhoods

– difficult intersections at interchanges

- proximity to highway

- services only a portion of the corridor

Abandoned Railroad Corridors

Advantages: – continuous facility from Salem to Concord

– appropriate for basic cyclists and pedestrians

– good access to neighborhoods, businesses and

recreation

– flat grade of less than 2 percent

Disadvantages: – large number of trail/roadway intersections

– private ownership, especially north of Manchester

– potential reactivation of rail service in the

corridor

On-road

Advantages: – direct route along corridor

– access to neighborhoods, business, schools, etc

– many links are low volume/low speed

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– the network exists today

Disadvantages: – only serves advanced cyclists

– major intersections and numerous points of

conflict

– cost and impact of widening and sidewalk

construction

– many segments are on steep grades

The CAC developed a range of evaluation criteria for each of the options

or combination of options. The criteria included a measure of

achievement of the stated project purpose, design and construction

issues, costs, resource impacts, and compatibility with community plans.

In the technical analysis and public involvement process, combinations

of the options were also considered. One combination alternative would

use the two abandoned rail corridors and connect them with an on-road

option in Manchester and portions of the proposed Heritage Trail in

Hooksett. This combination option, called the “Rail Trail Alternative”, is

compared to the I-93 bicycle path alternative and a continuous on-road

alternative on the evaluation matrix provided in Table 10 on the

following page.

The analysis shows that the rail-trail option best meets all of the

objectives stated in the project purpose. The on-road option meets some

of the objectives, but fails to provide for a wide range of cyclists as it

was only deemed an appropriate route for experienced cyclists. The I-93

route provided a route for a wide range of cyclists, but many expressed

concern regarding it’s proximity to the Interstate highway, and this

option did not continue north of Londonderry.

The rail-trail option was also shown to require limited right-of-way to

the south of Manchester, and relatively straight forward design. Right-

of-way acquisition or easements must be obtained for the abandoned

Concord – Portsmouth rail corridor. The rail trail option provided a

pathway with flat grades making the option desirable to more cyclists.

With a construction cost of nearly $9 million it was the lowest cost

option for the entire Salem to Concord route. The on-road option could

potentially have right-of-way issues depending upon the constraints to

widening for shoulders and sidewalks. The estimated construction costs

to upgrade approximately one third of the on-road links is $15.5 million.

Right-of-way and impact mitigation would require additional funds.

The I-93 option is similar to the rail-trail option in that design and row

issues are minimal, however the construction costs for the 13 mile path

are $8.4 million.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

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A topic of much debate centered on trail surface and maintenance costs.

Discussions on trail surface will continue at the local level within each

community. This study was completed under the premise that a paved

trail might be a preference.

The evaluation of maintenance costs for the options does vary as it

relates to community costs. The I-93 bike path, located within the I-93

ROW would be maintained by the State. On-road facilities and the rail-

trail options would require local maintenance.

With regard to impacts to natural resources, safety, compatibility with

community plans, and universal accessibility, the rail-trail again ranked

higher than the two other options. The on-road option was not ranked as

high because of the potential limited use to that of experienced cyclists.

Although the I-93 option provides what could be the best connection

between the proposed park and ride lots, it was not considered as

compatible with community plans and was deemed a more utilitarian

corridor.

Connections and access to and from neighborhoods, recreation,

businesses, schools and other facilities such as the park and ride lots was

determined to be an important factor and one that could have the greatest

effect on the utilization of this facility. The rail-trail option, although

within a dedicated right-of-way, is not located in secluded undeveloped

areas. In fact, it passes through or adjacent to a wide range of developed

areas including residential neighborhoods retail and commercial areas,

recreation areas, and schools. The proposed park and ride lots along I-93

are located a short distance from the rail trail and can be readily accessed

by on-road links. The proposed park and ride lot at Exit 5 in

Londonderry is actually adjacent to the rail corridor.

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Table 10 Alternatives Analysis – Evaluation Summary

Alternatives

I-93 Bike Path On-road Rail Trail

x,y

Purpose and Need

Feasible alternative transportation corridor yes yes yes

Travel within and between Salem and Manchester yes yes yes

Travel within and between Manchester and Concord no yes yes

Provide for work and non-work related trips yes no yes

Wide range of cyclists and pedestrians marginal no yes

Reduction of vehicle trips yes marginal yes

Construction / Design

Length (mi) 13.0 36.0 29.4

Right-of-Way issues none limited substantial

Design Issues limited substantial none

Bridge Structures none none limited

Construction Cost

$8.4 million

$15.5

million

$8.9 million

Grade marginal steep flat

Resource Impacts / Community

Wetlands 9.0 acres minimal minimal

Stream Crossings - none existing

Access/connections to communities

limited yes yes

Compatibility w/community plans limited limited yes

Universal accessibility limited limited yes

Maintenance requirements limited limited limited

Recreation and utilitarian use limited limited yes

Safety yes limited yes

Rating System

Construction / Design Issues Ratings: Alternative meets desirable standards

Some construction to meet minimum standards

Difficult construction to meet minimum standards

Purpose and Need Ratings:

Alternative supports the Purpose and Need

statement

Alternative does not support the Purpose and

Need statement

Alternative provides some benefit

Includes on road option around airport and between two abandoned rail corridors

Construction cost does not include Right-of-Way costs

Includes access / connections to recreation, schools, businesses, park and ride lots, and neighborhoods

Right-of-way issues are minimal south of Manchester, but are substantial in Hooksett, Allenstown, Pembroke and Concord.

Cost does not include work associated with the development of the Heritage Trail in Hooksett.

Salem to Manchester segment is 23.6 miles long of which 19.5 miles is new shared use path development

Cost of 19.5 miles of new shared use path from Salem to Manchester including intersection and structure improvements is

$6.1 million

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Based on this evaluation, feedback from the CAC, and public comments

received at four public information meetings, it is recommended that the

Rail Trail Alternative, which includes on-road and Heritage Trail

segments, be carried forward for further development. The

recommended alternative, presented in Table 11 consists of six key

segments.

Table 11 Summary of Recommended Route

Name Facility Type From To

Manchester-Lawrence Railroad

Shared use path

(rail to trail) and on-road segment

around Manchester Airport Hampshire Road, Salem Depot Street, Manchester

Depot Street, Canal Street and

River Road (Manchester)

Bicycle route (on road) and sidewalk

Concord Railroad crossing

of Depot Street

(Manchester) Hooksett Town Line

Heritage Trail Shared use path Depot Road, Hooksett

Merrimack Street,

Hooksett

Merrimack Street (Hooksett) Bicycle route (on road)

Heritage Trail at proposed

crossing of Merrimack River

Southerly end of Concord

– Portsmouth Railroad

Concord – Portsmouth Railroad

Shared use path

(rail to trail)

Merrimack Street, Hooksett

Westerly bank of

Merrimack River

Hall Street Bicycle route and sidewalk (on road) Merrimack River, Concord Downtown Concord

A design of a shared use path in the abandoned Manchester – Lawrence

Branch railroad right of way was presented in Section 4.2 of this report.

The path or rail trail is shown as a 12-foot wide path with 3-foot wide

shoulders. The path is shown with a 2.5 inch thick bituminous concrete

(asphalt) surface course while the shoulders are shown with a 4-inch

thick surface course of crushed stone. A 10-inch gravel base is shown

under the trail and shoulders. The order-of-magnitude construction cost

estimates for this trail and other paths included in the Recommended

Route are based on this design.

The actual path design would be developed during the development of

plans, specifications and estimates (PS&E) if the recommendation is

advanced to implementation. During the design phase, public hearings

will be held. At that time the project proponents and the public can more

fully discuss how the path is designed. One issue to be resolved during

project development is whether the surface course of the path should be

bituminous concrete or crushed stone. As stated earlier in the report,

most members of the Citizens Advisory Committee expressed a

preference for a paved path. At the public meetings, persons spoke in

favor of a paved path, while others thought the path should be unpaved.

In addition, an off-road facility such as the recommended route, will

provide and allow snow mobile use during the winter months.

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Bikeway Feasibility Study

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A paved path will better serve the design users as defined earlier in the

report (bicyclists, wheelchair users and pedestrians, including walkers,

runners, and people with baby strollers, etc.). This includes commuters

and other utilitarian cyclists who ride touring or road bikes (i.e., bicycles

with narrow tires). As the name implies, these bicycles are used by most

touring cyclists who ride long distances, stay overnight and contribute to

the tourism economy of the state. A crushed stone surface will more

likely create a drag on the cycle, making it more difficult to cycle on the

path. Commuters and other utilitarian cyclists generally prefer paved

trail surfaces for ease of riding. During rainy weather, these cyclists are

more likely to get dirty or muddy riding on an unpaved trail.

In their Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities published in

1999, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation

Officials (AASHTO) discusses ways that an unpaved surface affects

their design criteria for shared use paths. AASHTO recommends a

maximum grade of 5 percent for paved paths. However they state:

“grades steeper than 3 percent may not be practical for shared use paths

with crushed stone or other unpaved surfaces for both handling and

drainage reasons.” AASHTO also states: “Since bicycles have a

tendency to skid on unpaved surfaces, horizontal curvature design

should take into account lower coefficients of friction.” AASHTO

recommends a lower design speed for unpaved paths.

Generally, unpaved paths will require substantially more maintenance

since the crushed stone surface is subject to rutting and washouts

resulting from rainstorms. The less stable surface is less comfortable for

young bicyclists, persons in wheelchairs and those pushing baby

strollers.

The shoulders of the shared use path, which are shown with a crushed

stone surface in the example in Section 4.2, might be widened to 4 feet

to better accommodate joggers and other non-motorized users who may

prefer a giving trail surface.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 73

6.0 Project Phasing

The recommended route for the Salem – Concord Bikeway makes use of

two former railroad corridors:

1. The Manchester – Lawrence Branch from Salem to Manchester

2. The Concord – Portsmouth Railroad from Hooksett to Concord

Due to the length of the project and the lack of public ownership in some

segments of the former railroad corridors, bikeway development would

need to be phased. In the initial phases, the public would seek to acquire

fee simple ownership or easements in those portions of the corridors not

now owned by municipalities or the State of New Hampshire. Where

there is public ownership, local government support and funding, then

segments of the bikeway can proceed into design and construction.

A potential sequence for implementing the Salem – Concord Bikeway is

as follows:

Short term

 Salem – The 160-acre Rockingham Race Track property is in the

early stages of redevelopment which could include constructing

portions of the rail trail. Sections along Route 28 may be

constructed in advance of other rail-trail segments.

 Manchester – Lawrence Corridor– Investigate possibility of

acquiring an easement or fee simple ownership for segment

owned by Delaware Rock (Derry and Londonderry).

 Manchester – Lawrence Corridor – Acquire segment owned by

Boston and Maine Railroad (Guilford) between Spicket River

and state line in Salem.

 Concord – Portsmouth Corridor – Investigate the possibility of

acquiring easements or fee simple ownership for segment

between the Hooksett District Court and Concord including the

Merrimack River crossing.

 Hooksett Heritage Trail – Acquire necessary easements for

segment between North River Road and Merrimack Street.

Salem to Concord, New Hampshire

Bikeway Feasibility Study

Page 74

Mid term

 Manchester – Lawrence Corridor – Design and construct rail-to-

trail project between New Hampshire/Massachusetts State line

and Depot Street in Manchester.

Long term

 Hooksett Heritage Trail – Design and construct Heritage Trail

between North River Road and Merrimack Street

 Concord – Portsmouth Corridor – Design and construct rail-to-

trail project between the Hooksett District Court and Concord

including the Merrimack River crossing.

This feasibility study documents and confirms the feasibility of

developing a suggested bicycle and pedestrian facility or route from

Salem to Concord. Implementation of the route as described in this

chapter requires community involvement and ownership. In order for

the project to move beyond the feasibility study, it must be shown to be

technically feasible, which has largely been demonstrated herein,

environmentally sound, affordable, and supported locally. Communities

will have to continue to discuss the project issues and make a series of

difficult choices. The NH Department of Transportation will assist the

communities interested in moving forward on this important project.

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