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Another Derry Rail Trail Tunnel Update

Although we are all weary of hearing updates about the status of the Derry Rail Trail (Exit 4A Project) Tunnel (no tunnel?) issue, here’s an update. So far, still no firm word or decision from New Hampshire DOT.  The official plan has still not yet been submitted to the feds for approval. NH DOT continues to stick by its stated plan for no tunnel, much to the extreme dismay of the general public and all advocacy stakeholder groups.

Also useful that this article appeared on the front page of the Sunday Union Leader on May 28, 2023. Please see this info for the full article –> Derry 4A rail trail UL article–052823

Not surprisingly, when New Hampshire rail trail bike-ped users were asked recently by the NH Bureau of Trails to provide feedback on “any concerns/questions related to trails”, the overwhelming response was “restore the tunnel plan on the Derry Rail Trail.” This feedback was conveyed to the Bureau of Trails at a recent STAC (Statewide Trails Advisory Committee). While we felt it was useful that the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) Commissioner Sarah Stewart and NH State Parks Director Brian Wilson heard this feedback (who were both present in the room when the feedback was conveyed), no response was provided at that meeting.

We feel it is important to keep this issue on everyone’s radar, and also to continue to provide public feedback to state officials and agencies. Who and how to contact, as well as background history of this issue, is provided here. If you can, and even if you already have, please consider emailing or calling one or more of the officials listed on this page.

We will do our best to keep you posted on any significant updates. You can help by continuing to politely but firmly contacting state officials with your feedback.