Hands Across the Merrimack
Manchester's Newest Landmark
Mission Statement
The mission of Hands Across the Merrimack is: " To garner the necessary private and public resources and support to transform and maintain a landmark rail-trail bridge for pedestrian and cycling use."
History
A group of citizens led by Helen Closson was organized in 2001 to transform the existing and abandoned trestle bridge into a landmark pedestrian bridge over the Merrimack River. The bridge will be at the crossroads of the now developing pedestrian trails, and will demonstrate Manchester's commitment to the new parks being developed on both sides of the river. Over the last five years the board has tried to build a community commitment to this project by speaking to all the service clubs, local radio shows, and seeking publicity from newspapers and the television media.
With the help of the last two Mayors funds have been appropriated from state and federal governments. The board has raised in excess of a third of a million dollars. from the private sector. The total funds committed to the bridge from all sources has risen to over 2.4 million dollars.
Over the years, the bridge has been modified from its original design ,utilizing the architecture of the Notre Dame bridge, to what we now think as a more modern sleek design. The changes were made necessary because of the increased cost of construction materials. The estimated cost of building the bridge is about what has been raised in funds so far. The board is now working on raising extra funds to paint the bridge and to establish a maintenance trust fund for the upkeep of the bridge.
Construction started in June 2007 and the expected completion date is November 2007.
.
| Length of bridge |
712 feet |
|
Appearance |
12 foot runway with handrails |
|
Type of traffic |
Walking, Running, bicycling, roller blade, skateboarding and cross-country skiing. |
|
Construction Start: |
2007 |
| Construction End: |
Jan. 2008 |
| Interruption of I-293: | Minor with some temporary lane closures |
| What is to be kept: | All of the existing bridge will be preserved |
| What is to be added: | Deck with new framing, railings, and ornamental arch.. |
| Width of runway: | 12 feet |
| Type of runway | Wood deck supported by steel joists and beams. |
| Height of arch over I-293 | 50 feet +/- |
| Clearance over I - 293 | 17 feet +/- |
| Height of runway over Merrimack | 45 feet +/- |
| Access: | West side: South Main St. Second St. Bridge ramps. East side: Riverwalk pedestrian walkway ramps. |
| Owner | City of Manchester |
| Night viewing: | Well lighted for maximum safety and esthetics. Could be decorated for Holidays |
| Impact on environment: | Pedestrian deck water runoff, and de-icing salts. It will enhance the visual environment. |
| Pipes on Environment: | Gas line will remain. (Keyspan) |
| Benches and furniture: | Wooden benches at multiple viewing areas on the bridge itself. |
| ADA accessible: | Yes |
| Safety heights of rails: | 42 to 46 in. over river. Higher screening over roadway. |
| Maintenance: | Raising enough funds to establish a maintenance fund for upkeep. |
| Color of Bridge: | Not yet determined. |
| Safety concerns: | Police patrolled. |
| Operations: | Year- round usage. |
| Capacity for special event: | Original bridge designed to hold trains. |
| Special events: | Could be used for fireworks productions. |
| Insurance | This would be a city recreational facility. |
| Abutments: (material) | Concrete./ Stone Masonry |
| Arches | Arches removed because of increase cost |
| Design live load | 65 PSF |
Hands Across the Merrimack
300 River Road Office Suite Two
Manchester, NH 03104