News

Paving on Phase 3 of the Londonderry Rail Trail began on October 3rd. This 1.44 mile section of trail was funded by a $100,000 donation from Londonderry’s Conservation Commission and a $300,000 donation from Kinder Morgan. This section of trail is expected to be completed and opened to the public by early Spring 2016. Updates to follow!

(Londonderry, NH) At a public ceremony Wednesday, July 15th at the trailhead for the Rail Trail at Liberty and Independence Drives, Londonderry Trailways announced full funding had been achieved for Phase 3 and development would begin later this fall. Trailways Chair, Bob Saur commenting on the new section of trail said, “This 1.4 mile section of trail will open beautiful wooded areas and picturesque waterways to the community. This trail extension will bring the total length of the trail to 3 miles.”

At the announcement ceremony Rail Trail Project Manager Bob Rimol and Vice President of Public Affairs for Kinder Morgan. Allen Fore used sledgehammers to drive in a ceremonial rail spike from the abandoned railway corridor to mark the beginning of a new form of construction on the corridor – a recreational trail. Kinder Morgan donated the remaining $300,000 needed to fund construction. The total cost of construction will approximately be $400,000. The trail should be completed by very late 2015, early 2016.

In making the donation, Allen Fore said, “As part of the Tennessee Gas Pipeline system, Kinder Morgan owns and operates approximately 10 miles of pipeline in the Town of Londonderry. The company is extremely grateful to be a part of this great Londonderry community project.  Our company is committed to being a good corporate neighbor in every New Hampshire town we operate in and we are looking forward to the completion of Phase Three of this Rail Trail, knowing that it will be an asset to all Granite Staters who use it.”

Londonderry’s paved/competed Rail Trail now runs from North Elementary School, past the Exit 5 Park & Ride, under 93, past Poor Boys Restaurant to Liberty Drive!

Where can I park: North Elementary School, 19 Sanborn Rd, Londonderry, or Exit 5 Park & Ride, 4 Symmes Drive, Londonderry

How long is it: the paved/completed section is now 1.75 miles one way from North School to Liberty Drive, and 3.5 miles round trip.

Is it a loop: no it follows the old rail road corridor, it is an out and back straight stretch.

Can I go beyond the paved section: yes with the right gear – Phase 3 continues East beyond Liberty Drive towards Derry for another 1.5 miles. It is packed dirt and travelable with good walking/hiking shoes or a hybrid/mountain bike. You can not roller blade or road bike this Phase 3 section. Travel further East on the rail corridor beyond Rt 28 in the Seasons Lane area is not recommended, it is very rough and not maintained at this point.

What can I do to help: Fundraising for Phase 3 has now begun! 1) make a donation to support Phase 3 online or mail a check, 2) if you have employee matching gift at your company, utilize that to double your gift. 3) If you have a relationship with a local business, talk to them about supporting the rail trail.

Thanks for your support!!!