|
General Information
The WOW Trail is a proposed multi-use, non-motorized recreational pathway in the City of Laconia. The proposed pathway is just over 9 miles long, stretching the length of the City to the Meredith and Belmont town lines. The WOW Trail will be constructed adjacent to the railroad tracks used by the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
The trail will be 10 feet wide and paved.
The first 1.3 miles is complete! The Grand Opening was held on May 15th, 2010. Phase 1 begins adjacent to the Lake Opechee Inn & Spa in Lakeport and ends downtown at Main Street, adjacent to the Library. A portion of the first phase, located between Bisson Avenue and Lyford Street, is adjacent to Messer Street. In this area, the sidewalk was widened and bike lanes added to the roadway. Laconia DPW was extremely helpful in accommodating the trail design and construction on Messer Street.
Phase 2 of the WOW Trail will run from Downtown Laconia at North Main Street to the Belmont town line. A short section of bike trail already exists at the Belmont town line and Route 3. The NH DOT built this short section of trail in anticipation of connecting the Laconia WOW Trail and the Town of Belmont's own BRATT trail.
Using the Railroad Right of Way
Snowmobilers will access and use the railroad tracks in the winter months as always. All others are to remain off of the tracks and on the trail. It is dangerous and trespassing to be on the tracks.
Design and Safety
A four foot high continuous fence will run between the trail and the active railroad tracks. The fence will be elevated six inches above the ground to accomodate the movement of small animals. The fence is CURRENTLY required by the NH DOT Bureau of Railroads.We are working on alternative approaches with the DOT concerning safety and fencing alternatives.
Trails next to active railroads are increasingly common in the United States, with over 100 rail-with-trails in existence to date.
The Laconia Police Department conducts bike patrols of the WOW Trail. |
