KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow)

The City of Keene will celebrate the completion of the first phase of its Transportation Heritage Trail project Friday, Oct. 30, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Eastern Avenue trailhead.

The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. and will bring together city officials, project partners and community members to mark the milestone. Following the ceremony, attendees will be invited to walk the completed section of the trail and experience the improvements firsthand.

The first phase improves approximately 4,100 feet of former railroad corridor between the existing Eastern Avenue trailhead and Route 101, while creating connections to adjacent neighborhoods.

The project is part of a broader vision to establish a continuous trail connection between downtown Keene and the existing trail network in Swanzey. The long-term plan calls for reusing three historic bridges to carry the trail across Route 101, the Branch River and Swanzey Factory Road.

For the first phase, the city approved a design that follows the railroad corridor, uses stone dust as the trail surface and includes chain-link fencing with screening slats. The trailhead parking area was also redesigned with angled spaces and one-way traffic circulation to improve vehicle movement.

The project’s design was developed through a public review process that included community listening sessions and opportunities for residents to share concerns and suggestions. City Council approved moving forward with the proposed design alternatives presented in January 2024.

The completion of Phase 1 represents a step toward the city’s longer-term goal of expanding connections between neighborhoods and regional trails, providing additional opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation.

Residents can find project maps, design information and other resources on the City of Keene’s Transportation Heritage Trail webpage.