== Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==

Windham Rail Trail Alliance

Cycling along the Windham Rail Trail

Introduction:

Located in Windham New Hampshire, the Windham Rail Trail Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is dedicated to the development and promotion of this scenic trail.

This organization was formed by a group of Windham citizens who have the vision and the help of tremendous supporters dedicated to the rehabilitation and development of the 4.1 mile section of the Rockingham Recreational Trail in Windham as a paved multi-use path.

The Windham Trail is a component of the "Salem to Concord Bike-Ped" path as recommended by the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, with engineering and development consistent with the resulting Feasibility Study document.

Photos of rail trail users and views taken in 2006: by Dale K. and Dave T.

Project updates:

October 2011:

Windham Rail Trail is temporarily severed about 3/4 mile south of the Windham Depot parking lot for a new bridge being constructed under the trail for a road to connect house lots owned by the same developer on both sides of the trail. The temporary detour on rough trails and town roads is not considered usable except by mountain bikers. Construction of the bridge should be completed by December.

.

.

Roadway being cut through Windham Rail Trail, October 2, 2011
Note the fiber optic cable suspended in space.
Photos by Mark Connors (camera date incorrect)

October 2009: Negotiations between NH-DOT, DRED, and WRTA should allow the use of the former Roger's Garage location on the Salem-Windham town line for trail-side parking. This will relieve problems on Roulston Road where the paved trail presently ends and also for Cycles Etc. and Lindy's Restaurant where trail users have been parking illegally on private land.

On October 31, WRTA President Mark Samsel escorted a reporter from the NH Union Leader down the entire trail. Carol Robidoux took many photos and interviewed several people before her article was printed on November 2. Her article and some photos are available here.

September 2009: ARRA grants were approved for the exterior renovation of the Windham Depot and the Freight Shed while also making parking lot improvements to accommodate more visitors. Work is expected to be completed spring 2010.

Fall, 2008: A finish coat of pavement was applied to the entire 3.6 miles of the completed rail trail. It was smooth riding before, and now it is even better!

June 2007: On Friday June 8 and Saturday June 9, the C16 former B&M caboose moved from Lawrence and was set up at the Windham Depot safe and sound. There are not formal hours of operation at this time, however if you see members of the Depot Advisory Committee or WRTA working on the caboose, please stop in!

May 2007: On Saturday, May 5, the Windham Depot Advisory Committee and the Windham Rail Trail Alliance built 49 ft of rail bed that will be the home of the B & M caboose. After many volunteer hours over the summer, the C-16 received a new coat of paint, had a few windows replaced, and outfitted with original window grates. Below is the result!

.

Former B&M C-16 caboose in Windham Depot

November 2007: With the completion of the Route 111 By-Pass, the new bridge over the by-pass is now available for mountain bikers to ride from the Salem town line onto the paved section of the Windham Rail Trail. This remaining section of the Windham trail will be paved as soon as possible.

Note: For a detailed look at how the bridge was assembled and placed over the Route 111 By-Pass in August 2007, click here for a collection of time-sequenced photos.

.

Windham Rail Trail bridge over the Route 111 By-Pass, October 2007

September 16, 2006: Trail officially opened via a ceremony featuring NH Governor John Lynch cutting the ribbon.

.

Ribbon cutting by NH Governor John Lynch, September 16, 2006

Granite arch bridge built in 1849.
WRT passes over the top, 1/4 mile north of Roulston Road.

Web site:

http://www.windhamrailtrail.org/

Contact:

Windham Rail Trail Alliance
P.O. Box 4317
Windham, NH 03087

Telephone
603-434-0806
msamsel@windhamrailtrail.org

.

Home