Project Overview
The City has approved the proposed design alternatives for the federally-funded Transportation Heritage Trail Project– Phase I. This includes:
- Trail alignment along the Rail Corridor
- Screening consisting of chain link fencing with slats
- Implementation of Trailhead Alternative 1 including angled parking and one way traffic
- Circulation through the parking lot, and
- Surface Materials consisting of stone dust
The Transportation Heritage Trail (THT) long-term goal is to create a continuous trail connection between downtown Keene and the trail network in Swanzey. To accomplish this, the project will reuse three historic bridges to carry the trail across Rt. 101, the Branch River, and Swanzey Factory Road. This first phase has a more modest goal of improving approximately 4,100 feet of railroad corridor and creating connections to adjacent neighborhoods between the current Eastern Avenue trailhead and Route 101. We anticipate construction to begin in 2025.
CONTACT: Don Lussier, City Engineer, Keene Public Works, 350 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH 03431
(dlussier@keenenh.gov)
Documents and Links
Project resources, presentations, and additional links:
- Public Comment Form
- Proposed Design Alternatives (1/24/2024) *Approved - The City Council approved moving forward with the proposed design alternatives presented at the MSFI Committee meeting on 1/24/2024.
- Project Alternatives Review (1/8/24) - comparisons and ratings of options including alignments, screening, trailhead/crossing, and trail surfacing
- Project Alignment Alternatives Map (1/8/24)
- Parking/Crossing Alternatives (1/8/24)
- Transportation Heritage Trail Story Map
- Map of Project Limits
- Trail Connections Graphic
- THT Local Concerns Meeting Presentation Slides, (12/4/23) - project phase 1 overview and process
- City Capital Improvement Program Project Data - description and tentative funding plan
- City of Keene Bicycle & Pedestrian Path Advisory Committee Web Page
Communications and Notices
- 2024 - 1/8 Listening Session Notification
In this session, our consultant reviewed the various alternatives including possible alignments (see map) and parking/crossing alternatives, and they showed how the various alternatives compare and what criteria were used in the alternatives rating process. View the full presentation here.
- 2023 - 12/18 Letter to Abutters
A letter was sent to abutters with information about the planned presentation and opportunity for public input at the January 24, 2024 MSFI Committee meeting.
- 2023 - 12/4 Listening Session Notification
THT Local Concerns Meeting Presentation Slides (project phase 1 overview and process)
Thank you to everyone who came to the listening session. There was a great turnout and discussion. We heard your questions, concerns, and opportunities for a successful project. We will use this input to develop project alternatives. We expect to hold another public meeting in early January to review alternatives.
Tentative Phase One Project Schedule
2024 Winter - Engineering Study Phase/Public Meeting
2024 Spring/Summer - Preliminary Design Phase
2024 Fall - Permitting
2024 Fall/Winter - Final Design/Bid Documents
2024 Fall/Winter - Right-of-Way Process
2025 Summer - Construction
Project Photos
