Trail Background
During
2003, the State of
New Hampshire
formed a Citizens Advisory Committee to involve the communities and regional
planning agencies in the
Salem
to Concord Bikeway Feasibility Study process. Comprised of state agencies,
consultants and citizens, the purpose of the committee was to study three
options of developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian path along the Route 93 corridor.
This path would provide an alternative mode of transportation, diverse
recreational opportunities and increased commerce to the communities along the
trail.
 The
recommended approach was to develop such a path using the abandoned
Manchester
and
Lawrence,
Concord
to Portsmouth
rail beds, and segments of the New Hampshire Heritage Trail, as the foundation
for the trail. The consensus for surface choice was paved, as it was determined
that a paved path would best serve anticipated users (bicyclists, pedestrians
including walkers, runners) and because of the nature of a smooth surface, would
allow easier use for strollers, wheelchairs, and elderly. Additionally a
non-paved path has proven to require more frequent maintenance.
With adequate shoulders, a non-paved area along the path would serve for
those who would benefit from that availability such as equestrian users and
joggers. For the detailed results of
the feasibility study, please read the “Salem to Concord Bikeway Feasibility Study” available through the New Hampshire
Department of Transportation.
Rockingham Trail - Windham
This
paved 4.1 Mile section starts from the intersection of Routes 111 and 28 in Salem
continuing to a point on North Lowell Road, Windham.
The
Manchester
and
Lawrence Branch was constructed in 1847 to 1849 when the industrial revolution
expanded to cities north of
Boston. The first train ran the entire length in November 1849.
A 3-mile section in Windham
proved the most expensive to build because of extensive cutting through ledge
and filling of lowlands.
The last train ran in the early 70’s with abandonment occurring shortly after.
The rails were removed for salvage in the early 1980’s.
This
section of rail-bed was used as a multi-purpose trail for about the past 18
years managed by NH Department of Resources and Economic Development. As of
September 3, 2003 legislation was passed which prohibits OHRV use as well
Federal regulations restrict OHRV use on trails purchased by Transportation
Enhancement Grants. The parking lot in Windham
is open from 1/2 hour before to 1/2 hour after sunset.
This is a scenic stretch of trail, which
traverses by a farm pasture, apple orchard, two ponds and marshes, and is
predominately wooded. There are two bridges that the trail crosses. One is built
of
New Hampshire
granite as an archway and provides a unique architectural significance. Two
high stone cuts provide a cool section of passing on hot days, and in the winter
support multi-colored ice flow “sculptures.” The trail also passes several
stonewalls, and a cellar hole from an 1800’s sawmill.
Wildlife is abundant along this stretch, as deer, upland animals and birds, owls, turtles
and fisher cats have been observed. Heron and beavers have established themselves
in the wetland habitat along the trail; various species of duck, and geese nest
as well.
The
Windham Depot buildings and surrounding town property has been designated a
historic district by the Town of Windham
in 2003. The Depot building and
freight storage building remain intact, however in need of rehabilitation. The
WRTA believes that the restoration of the Depot buildings and parking lot plays
an important part of the overall trail development project. The Town of Windham
shares the similar vision, chartering the Windham Depot Buildings Advisory
Committee to develop recommendations to site improvements. A Transportation Enhancement Grant
was awarded in May 2006, and we are pleased to say the construction was
completed in July 2010.
Our Mission
From our Articles of Incorporation:
Purpose
The purpose of this
corporation is to raise funds through charitable means that will allow it to
provide on-going stewardship, preservation, maintenance and the promotion of
education of the 4.1 historical miles of the Rockingham Multiuse Trail from
Route 111A in Windham, New Hampshire to a point on North Lowell Road in the same
town, as it is managed as a paved Rail to Trail bike path
within the meaning
of Section of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding sections of
any federal future tax code.
Through its
activities the corporation will provide to the public a premier non-motorized
recreational and educational experience by use of the paved trail and
rehabilitation of the historical buildings located at the Windham Depot.
 Copyright © 2011 Windham Rail Trail
Alliance
| 