This project is the construction of a new bicycle and pedestrian trail through the City using the former Newington Branch Rail right-of-way. The proposed trail begins at the Dover Passenger Rail Station, crosses the Cochecho River on the abandoned rail bridge to Washington Street and continues southward on Rte 108 to the Bellamy River Bridge. At the Bellamy River Bridge, the trail turns off the road along the river to the Middle School and High School, ending at Bellamy Park and the athletic field complex.
Phase II of the project, if feasible, would develop the former rail corridor between Washington Street and Cataract Avenue as a bicycle-pedestrian trail, including reconstruction of the Silver Street culvert.
This bike/pedestrian route is included in the draft Dover Bikeways Plan, which identifies the facility as a priority because of its intermodal possibilities. This plan also addresses safety as students walking or bicycling between Dover High School, Dover Middle School, the athletic fields, and Bellamy Park will no longer have to share the road (Durham Road, NH Rte 108) with vehicles. The project connects the downtown, City offices, retail stores, and transit centers with residential housing, recreational facilities, industry, and schools.
