Eastern Avenue Trail Segment to Open as Keene Marks Transportation Heritage Trail Milestone

Longer-range plans for the corridor call for three historic bridges to be reused so the trail can cross Route 101, the Branch River and Swanzey Factory Road.

Keene is set to highlight a major step in its Transportation Heritage Trail project on Friday, Oct. 30, when the city hosts a ribbon-cutting at the Eastern Avenue trailhead to recognize the finish of Phase 1.

The event is planned for 1 p.m. and is expected to draw city leaders, project partners and residents. After the ceremony, participants will be able to walk the newly completed portion of the trail and see the changes for themselves.

This first stage covers about 4,100 feet of the old railroad corridor, stretching from the Eastern Avenue trailhead to Route 101. It also adds links to nearby neighborhoods, advancing the city’s broader effort to build a continuous trail route from downtown Keene to the existing trail system in Swanzey.

Longer-range plans for the corridor call for three historic bridges to be reused so the trail can cross Route 101, the Branch River and Swanzey Factory Road.

The design approved for this phase follows the railroad alignment and uses stone dust for the trail surface. It also includes chain-link fencing with screening slats. At the trailhead, the parking lot was reconfigured with angled parking spaces and one-way traffic flow to make access and circulation easier for drivers.

City planners developed the project through a public review process that included listening sessions and other chances for residents to raise concerns and offer input. In January 2024, City Council voted to proceed with the design options that were presented.

City officials say the opening of Phase 1 brings Keene closer to its goal of strengthening neighborhood and regional trail links while expanding access for walking and outdoor recreation. Project maps and additional background materials are available on the City of Keene’s Transportation Heritage Trail webpage.