Frequently Asked Questions

The Project

What is the Salem Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Project?

The Salem Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor Project is a means to provide everyone safe alternatives to motor vehicles along the Route 28 corridor for multi-purpose uses such as walking or cycling to work, school, shopping, and activities that are beyond the typical recreational use. The five mile rail trail, adjacent to Route 28 on the west side, is a principal component of an overall transportation approach. The planning is focusing on creating connections all throughout the Route 28 corridor. The dollars invested will result in: emissions reduced, gas saved, health improved, and an economy supported with infrastructure for employees and shoppers. The proximity of the rail corridor to the Route 28 corridor places a large population at the doorstep of an alternative transportation opportunity (over 4,800 households within ¼ mile). Parallel to this effort we are planning on creating a regional transit system to move people employed in the area more effectively.

A common mistake of highway planning is to leave bicycle and pedestrian opportunities to the back burner. Our intent is to bring these issues to the forefront and incorporate these plans into a larger plan. This alternative view to the typical recreational trail places pedestrian and bicycle improvements into the everyday lives of residents and employees. Essentially we view this project as an opportunity for everyone, everyday.

Why work on this project when the trains are coming back to Salem?

The chance of commuter or freight rail service being restored on the former B&M Manchester to Lawrence rail corridor is highly unlikely for the foreseeable future. Feasibility studies are always being conducted but the facts and finances make this option totally impractical for 20 to 30 years, maybe more. The rail corridor is mostly owned by the State of NH so nothing can be done with it without their permission. Presently the NH Department of Transportation is encouraging (but not funding) bicycle-pedestrian use of the corridor which will help keep it intact and serve many people. If Salem were to ever have the population density of a major metropolitan area like downtown Los Angeles, then a multi-billion dollar monorail system above the existing corridor might be considered. Meanwhile, let's use the corridor for alternative, non-polluting transportation and recreation -- for everyone, everyday.

What will the corridor surface be?

In most cases, asphalt surface with a stone dust surface adjacent to the corridor. Our approach is long term low maintenance, durability, and high usability. Similar facilities without asphalt surfaces tend to need higher maintenance, create drainage and silt problems and are not sufficient for a wide variety of uses such as strollers, children’s bikes, or commuter bicycles.

Would motorized vehicles be allowed on the bike-ped corridor?

Only motorized vehicles for the disabled such as wheelchairs. The proposed bike-ped corridor is likely to have bollards or gates at each road crossing to prevent motorized vehicles from entering the corridor. The bollards or gates will have keys so that the bollards can be removed for access by authorized vehicles from the Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department.

How would the design and construction of the bike-ped corridor be paid for?

With a grant and impact fees we have raised $131,000 to design the project. We will apply for grants to fund the construction and from there we are working with the Planning Board to incorporate the improvements into consideration for off-site improvements by proposed developments. Essentially by creating the plan we are indicating the Town’s needs for SBPC improvements.

Project Impacts

Property Values

I have heard that property values increase near rail trails, is that true?

Below we have collected a few sources to support that statement.

“Homes sales were examined in the seven Massachusetts towns through which the Minuteman Bikeway and Nashua River Rail Trail run. Statistics on list and selling prices and on days on the market were analyzed. The analysis shows that homes near these rail trails sold at 99.3% of the list price as compared to 98.1% of the list price for other homes sold in these towns. The most significant feature of home sales near rail trails is that these homes sold in an average of 29.3 days as compared to 50.4 days for other homes”. Home Sales Near Two Massachusetts Trails, Jan. 25, 2006.iv  Craig Della Penna.

“In a survey of adjacent landowners along the Luce Line rail-trail in Minnesota, 61 percent of the suburban residential owners noted an increase in their property value as a result of the trail. New owners felt the trail had a more positive effect on adjacent property values than did continuing owners. Appraisers and real estate agents claimed that trails were a positive selling point for suburban residential property.” Economic Impacts of Rivers, Trails and Greenways: Property Values. Resource Guide published by the National Parks Service, 1995.vii

“A comparison of the lots within the original Highridge Estates subdivision indicated that those lots located immediately adjacent to the trail sold for an average of nine percent higher than other lots. In addition to selling for more, the lots along the trail also sold faster.” Perceptions of How the Presence of Greenway Trails Affects the Value of Proximate Properties. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, Fall 2001.viii John L. Crompton

“The research that has been conducted, along with anecdotal evidence, suggests that converting an abandoned rail corridor to a trail actually tends to reduce crime by cleaning up the landscape and attracting people who use the trail for recreation and transportation.”  “The study found that incidents of vandalism and burglary did not increase as a result of the trail.” Rail-Trails and Safe Communities: The Experience on 372 Trails. National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, January 1998.iii  Tammy Tracy & Hugh Morris.

Environment

Are there wetlands along the corridor project and what will be the project’s effect on wetlands?

We have completed maps for wetland resource areas along the rail corridor and adjacent to possible routes. Our objective is to create a minimal impact on both wetlands and drainage. As we are mapping and conducting field work we intend to identify areas where drainage could be improved.  In some case we see the potential to solve problems and create better environmental quality.

I live in the area by Old Rockingham Road and the rail trail is in a deep trench in that area. How are you going to handle that and will you need to cut down trees?

We are not going to locate the corridor within the sunken rail right of way in that area. The new corridor will be along Route 28 between the road and the existing rail right of way. This allows us to make improvements at a level grade and eliminates the need to cut trees. This also provides a greater separation between the trail and adjacent homes.

Are their environmental permits required?

At this time the assessment has identified the wetlands. We are in the process of conducting a citizen outreach program before we enter into design work. As we approach design we will create solutions that mitigate environmental impacts. Given the possible routes we do see the need for wetlands permits. We see that as an advantage as we can work within a detailed process with the State and abutters to solve any issues.

Privacy/Abutter

Will users or the Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor be asking abutters to use their bathrooms?

As part of the project we are planning key stops along the way to provide rest areas and facilities. For example the Depot Train Station at the intersection of Routes 97 and 28.

Are parking areas planned and where would they be located?

We are in the process of locating key parking lots along the route and at the town lines of Methuen and Windham. The rail corridor has sufficient width of right of way key locations to place parking areas. Other areas such as the old sewer treatment plant provide sufficient land area for parking in a commercial area.

What can be done to address abutter's privacy concerns?

As many know much of the rail bed is along commercial property. However, there are sections along residential property. We are planning on a dual approach: Direction and Separation. First we will provide clear and specific directions and reasonable signs at key areas to articulate the route. During the design process we will create separation between the trail and adjacent properties. Fencing will be constructed where privacy and adjacency are a concern.

Would the SBPC project need any private land?

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Corridor is more than the rail bed. It encompasses other public right of way spaces such as sidewalks. Our intention is to keep within the publicly owned land.

Have the abutters been contacted about concerns they may have?

This website, the public meetings indicated on the website, and cards sent to over 2500 homes notifying people of online and mail-in surveys are the principal techniques for outreach. We are always interested in any communication that brings about opportunities for all parties and minimizes the impacts. That is why we encourage you to contact us though the website.