Program for April 3, 2025 – West Lebanon and Hanover Greenway (WaHG) Trail

Tim Cox                              Kevin Purcell

Since launching in 2019, the Rails to Trails Conservancy has worked to develop a New England Rail Trail Network extending from northwestern Vermont, south through Maine and New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. It envisions sprawling multi-use pathways connecting cities and states across 1,000 miles of open trail through the entire region of New England. The goal is to complete key corridors/”spines” and adjoining systems and trails that unite the six states. There are opportunities to link smaller systems to the spine trails along the priority corridors, such as the MRG and the WAHG.

$60,000 of $70,000 has been raised to begin the next phase of planning the trail. The goal is to outline the the trail and get to the point that it is “shovel ready” to begin construction.

The completion of this path will allow safe access between West Lebanon and Hanover and help “close the loop” for walk and bike access creating a network with the Mascoma River Greenway and Mt. Support shared use path.

The belief is that if the trail is built there well be many who will choose to use it.  In other communities it has been estimated that the return on investment is 5:1. A 2022 University of New Hampshire study assessed nine rail trails and found an economic contribution of approximately $18.7 million to the state’s economy.

• Increased Spending: More traffic at local businesses leads to higher economic output, job creation, and increased tax revenue.
• Tourism Boost: Trails such as the Stowe Recreation Path in VT have attracted tourists who stay longer and spend more, directly benefitting local businesses.
• Property Values: Studies have shown that properties near MUPs often see an increase in value due to enhanced accessibility and aesthetics.
• Healthier Lifestyle: More active lifestyles lead to fewer healthcare expenses for diseases such as diabetes and obesity-related illnesses.

• The NHDOT assigns proposed projects to Tier 1, 2, or 3 based on whether the project is well defined and whether sufficient data and studies have been conducted to support the project.
• Tier 1 projects are given the highest priority because they directly address a transportation need, have sufficient data, and are ready to compete for state funding.

• Improves community accessibility.
• Creates shared spaces where people can interact and build relationships.
• Encourages community events like charity runs and cycling tours.
• Supports a culture of outdoor recreation, benefitting mental and physical health.
• Provides safe, car-free routes for children, families, and commuters
• After infrastructure improvements, the city of Portland, OR reported a 10% reduction in bicycle-related injuries along its car-free corridor.

• This type of trail can help integrate with parks and forests, preserving green spaces and ecosystems.
• Increases demand for eco-friendly infrastructure like bike-sharing programs.
• Decreased reliance on cars reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality.
• Decreased car usage reduces the release of tire wear particles (TWPs), which are a significant source of microplastics in the environment and contribute to air and water system pollution.