by Tara Greenblatt
Jo Anne Carr, Director of Planning & Economic Development for the Town of Jaffrey, is
committed to the completion of the Monadnock rail trail from Webster St. north to Hillcrest Ave.
MRRTC would like this project to be defined to Hadley Rd. Jo Anne Carr has provided MRRTC with
guidance on available grants for this project to cover the funding for a bridge and needed site work
involved.
This is a multi-phased project with aspects that will be completed over the course of the
next few years. A missing bridge across from Ridgecrest Rd. for this portion is the focus
of attention as it is a high-cost item required for the completion of the trail. A fruitful
collaboration with UNH Engineering Seniors, brought in by the Town of Jaffrey’s
contracted consultants, has yielded a preliminary bridge design and the estimated costs
associated with its construction. In a June 2023 interview with Jo Anne, she shared this:
“I did work with consultants and UNH to develop a preliminary engineering design and
costs for the bridge within the section which would provide documentation for a grant
application, the bridge was designed by UNH Seniors as their Capstone Project. I have
agreed to provide support to the rail trail collaborative for any grant applications they
may apply for.”
Collaboration with other area organizations who share interest in the use of the trail is
what it takes to make progress. The Monadnock Sno-Moles have agreed to assist via
Grant-In-Aid grants to repair bridge surfaces for this trail from Hillcrest Rd. to Hadley Rd.
Stay tuned for more to come as plans move forward.” [NOTE: Details of the four
proposed “phases” will be forthcoming in the first quarter of 2023]
