2022 Windham Rail Trail Alliance - Submission for Master Plan
September 18, 2022
Summary
2022 brings us to the 16th year of continued growth and popularity as the benchmark of paved rail trails in New Hampshire. We were honored with the 2nd highest response in the 2020 Windham Town Planning Survey (Appendix I) and it was exciting to have won another of several regional “Best of Hippo” awards, and this year even in 2 categories! Over the years the trail has received recognition in many local, regional, and national news media and print, and has been included in several books. Along with our 16th year anniversary of the initial development this is the 2nd submission for the Windham Master Plan.
The Covid event was an unprecedented challenge, and during that time we were pleased to host the opportunity of the special outdoor recreational experience the trail provides to the Community. That period brought unprecedented use counts and parking challenges to the point several No Parking signs were installed along Depot and Frost Roads.
Also in 2020, Covid did not stop our construction plans for the Rainforest rebuild, which was completed in a 7-week period during the summer as well we re-graveled the shoulders and applied wrap to sections along the trail to remediate erosion.
Through our vision and tenacity, the initial pavement established us as the benchmark for paved trails in New Hampshire. The designation of the Granite State Rail Trail, 52 miles of abandoned rail corridor from Salem to Lebanon confirmed our intention to promote this extraordinary opportunity. When we started, we had a vision, we now have a story which we continue to build on. For this submission, we provide Operational highlights of Trail use and Key Initiatives for our 10-Year Plan.
Operational
Use Counts
Since formal DOT counts, the Windham Rail Trail is consistently on the top. First, on its own merit and now with connectivity from the North and South. This will grow with the anticipated completion of remaining connectivity through Derry, Londonderry, and Manchester. At the start of Covid, a planned Eco Counter installed by Southern NH Planning for the month of May 2020 recorded an astounding 31,454 trips heading south from the Depot, exceeding our previous high of 12,418 in a similar period. The daily average was counted at 1,015. Since Covid, we are experiencing in our estimate, numbers in the 15,000-user count range for a May count. Work from Home has also driven higher numbers with the parking lot full at 8AM on weekdays, and many vehicles parked along Frost Road.
Programs/Activities
Supporting passive recreation, our trail is used primarily by bicyclists, walkers, runners, dog owners, equestrians, roller blades, dry land skiers, and wheel assisted users. It is used by many for health rehabilitation purposes, photography, bird/nature observation and passive outdoor activities. We draw many families, some spanning 3 and 4 generations from the community as well those rail trail and train fans that travel relatively long distances to experience the rail trail and historic Depot/Caboose area. We host grade school field trips and Windham Library reading preschoolers to visit the Windham Depot and caboose. We have had the pleasure to sponsor and benefit from 10 Eagle projects over this period. These have added significantly to the trail, and we continue to support and advocate for such work.
Our trail is USTA certified both for 5 and 10K running distances and our two WRTA managed rail trail races are in their 13th year. They have attracted over 4,300 participants in that timespan and provide the major source of funding to the WRTA. In 2020 and 21 the trail was part of the course for the Millennium Running first and second annual “Cheap Marathon” races that start in Derry, with the first year attracting Boston runners as that race was canceled. We are also host to the Couch to 5K program, Girls on the Run, and to several outings directed by Northeast Passage adaptive cycling program for physically challenged individuals.
It is inevitable that with the high usage numbers many local businesses along the trail attain residual benefits.
Maintenance
For most of the life of the trail, the WRTA funded certain maintenance items and provided on an annual average 350 volunteer hours that included brush and tree cutting, trash removal, and the clearing and blowing the trail and clearing drainage lines of leaves. In addition are over 50 hours of work annually at the Windham Depot that included lawn upkeep, landscaping, plantings, and general cleaning. The WRTA efforts represented about 95% of the work required, and for the balance looked to the Town for services, typically work that required special equipment. As the trail has aged, the maintenance requirements have grown in scope and quantity. We continue to provide most of the maintenance support and work closely coordinating with the Town Maintenance Department, however, now look to the Town for more assistance. We are not aware of assistance provided by NH DOT, which relies on Towns and volunteer organizations to provide the work. Given the age of the pavement, annual upkeep of the pavement is required to further its utility.
Trail and Depot Rd; Roulston Rd Safety
The high trail counts, and the location of the Depot Parking compromise crossing safety at Depot and Frost Roads. Heavy trail use, traffic and constant speed contribute to bring on-going challenges.
As trail popularity gained, and several discussions with the Town, seasonal speed bumps were installed generally (April – November) and have proven very effective. Additionally, automatic crossing lights were installed, however have been prone to breakdown with inadequate lighting. Police observation or ticketing measures to control speed is not consistent. In 2020 the gate to the service area was damaged, and in the year waiting for a replacement some users parking their cars are confused and tie up the section at the crosswalk.
Recognized as a cut through that brings heavy traffic and speed between 111 and Route 28, the Roulston Rd crossing presents challenges. A painted cross walk exists; however, the installed automatic crossing lights are also prone to breakdown with inadequate lighting. Police observation or ticketing measures to control speed is at both the Depot and Roulston Rd is unknown.
Connectivity
Connections to Salem and Derry are now established, furthering the Granite State Rail Trail and are consistent with our original purpose. We serve as the prime example of a successful build; High pedestrian and bicycle usage within a rural setting providing safe connections to a Town center (Derry) and to shopping and entertainment (Salem) environments. We serve mostly as a recreational trail; however, trail counts indicate some amount of commuting, and other health related programs.
Most exciting is the opportunity for the connection to the Windham Greenway Trail, a Town-owned section of the abandoned Boston and Maine Railroad Worcester, Nashua, and Portland line. Acquired by the Town in 1996 with the intent to maintain and eventually develop as a passive, non-motorized year-round recreational trail corridor. Driven by the success of the Windham Rail Trail, the DOT tunnel will provide a safe and efficient method to access the Rail Trail. We envision support of a paved Windham Greenway Trail, continuing to provide passive trail access to a larger section of the Windham Community. We support a single connection through a re-design of the North Lowell/Depot Road Intersection and widening Depot Road to accommodate a sidewalk for safe passage of trail.
Economic Development
Trail use and economic development information was included in the 2022 New Hampshire State Rail Trail plan.
As a requirement of SB185, The Plan was developed under the direction of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and in close coordination with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR).
Key data is included in Appendix II and emphasizes the role that the Windham Rail Trail contributes as an Economic driver in the community and region.
Key initiatives for the 10 Year Plan
Now in our 16th year, and asphalt lifespan for this use is estimated from 18 – 25 years and are at the point that we must keep an eye on securing funding for re-pavement. Although the Rainforest section was re-build in an earlier timeframe in 2020, that section experienced severe drainage problems that needed attention. Currently, the pavement in sections is experiencing voids because of subsurface failure and underground animal tunnels and tree root expansion typical of a trail of our build and use. Figuring into the maintenance is the increase of use when Derry connects to Londonderry in an anticipated 2024 timeframe, and the completion of the Londonderry connection in the 2025-26 timeframe.
Little or no maintenance or funding is provided by the State, although there are grants available typically with a matching grant requirement, competition from available money and other towns or organizations, long lead time and application process.
We continue to count on revenue from our 5K and work with the Millennium Cheap Marathon, covering smaller maintenance and development efforts. As we move to larger efforts such as planning for eventual re-paving we will need to focus on major sponsorships.
Approach/Funding of Re-paving Plan
We recommend an engineering/cost estimate with intent to include as part of a proposal to add to the CIP in 2024 to support a 4-year funding plan to address the repaving work.
Timeline for Engineering study/cost estimate in the next 1 – 2 years.
Timeline for Re-pavement in the next 5 – 7 years.
1. Solid Maintenance plan/Town Budgeted line item
Since its inception, the WRTA has been pleased to bring the majority of development efforts, funding, and maintenance to the trail. At this time because of the trail maturity and effort required, a consistent approach to maintenance and funding in coordination with the Town is recommended. We propose that the WRTA is consulted during the Budget Planning process to review upcoming maintenance items to consider in the budget and schedule.
Timeline starting with the 2024 budget planning cycle.
2. Re-build of Dinsmore Bridge
A growing safety issue is the bridge over the Governor Dinsmore Road crossing. This historic railroad bridge appears structurally sound, however the wood decking over the steel beams was corrected with temporary measures, and the guardrails in poor condition. With temporary steel plates as the surface, there is a risk to bicyclists as when wet, very slippery and we are concerned larger vehicles such as an Ambulance or Fire Apparatus safely crossing the bridge.
Timeline in the next 1 – 2 years.
3. Safe crossing at North Lowell Road
For this State Road crossing which DOT owns the abandoned rail bed right-of-way, safety measures are inadequate. At this writing State DOT takes the position it is Town of Windham’s responsibility to provide the upgrade and is currently in discussion regards to a solution. The state requires their sign-off on engineering plan that meets their design recommendations prior to project start. We recommend the Town prepares the plan and obtains state approval prior to securing funding for the effort.
As a temporary measure we recommend at minimum a painted cross walk.
Timeline for painted cross walk – Early 2023.
Timeline for expanded crossing in the next 1 – 2 years.
4. Upgraded crossing signals at Depot and Roulston Roads; continued use of Speed bumps.
These are very busy roads and crossings as indicated by the counts. A brighter and more robust electrical signal will prove more reliable and increase the visibility to motorists. We recommend a new signal addressed in a 1-year timeframe, in parallel with a signal replacement at the Roulston Rd, crossing.
The damaged gate off of Depot Rd to the service area has been a year waiting for a replacement some users parking their cars are confused at the entrance that results in dangerously tying up that section at the crosswalk.
As trail popularity gained, and several discussions with the Town, seasonal speed bumps were installed generally (April – November) and have proven very effective. We recommend widening the window of seasonal installation.
Timeline for upgraded crossing signals - 1-year.
Conclusion
The Windham Rail Trail Alliance (a 501C3 organization) is thankful for the support from town officials and accolades from Windham residents and many users from surrounding Communities. The formal usage counts demonstrate the popularity, recognition, and need of the recreational opportunity that the Windham Rail Trail provides as the most renowned paved rail trail in the state! Windham should take pride in that the success of the Trail has spread to the region, and along with the connected Salem and Derry sections puts us on the national scene. We remain the exclamation point for rail trail recreation in Windham and New Hampshire!
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Samsel, President, Windham Rail Trail Alliance
Copyright 2023 Windham Rail Trail Alliance