The Newington Branch rail line passes through downtown Dover and presented a unique opportunity to create a new bicycle and pedestrian trail. Fuss & O’Neill worked with the City on this NHDOT TE/CMAQ project to complete preliminary and final design, provide technical assistance with environmental documentation and permitting, and construction administration.

The crossings of Silver Street (NH Route 9) and the Cocheco River presented challenges. The deck of the former bridge at Silver Street had been removed and the gap filled to create an at-grade roadway. The bridge over the Cocheco River, built in 1908, needed to be assessed and retrofitted before it was ready to serve as a link in the trail system. Following a thorough inspection, a new timber deck and an industrial-style, 3-bar railing were added for a functional and safe river crossing. The crossing of Silver Street was made with the installation of a cost-efficient, corrugated, aluminum plate underpass structure. The ends of the old bridge granite block walls were left exposed as a reminder of the sites’ history. Phase 3 of the project is currently in construction, with Phase 4 entering design.