Article 35: Building Amherst's Rail Trail By Unlocking $2.6 Million in Grant Awards

Information About the the Proposed Rail Trail Warrant Article for March 11, 2025
A Map of the Article 35 Project
A Map of the Article 35 Project

Article 35 proposes accepting and matching grant funds totaling $2.6 million awarded to Amherst for two segments of the Baboosic Greenway Rail Trail. This page provides information about the project, its potential benefits, and what Article 35 would accomplish if approved.

What Is on the Ballot?

Article 35 seeks authorization from Amherst voters to accept $2.6 million in state transportation grants—funding earmarked to help build two additional segments of Amherst’s rail trail network. To access the grant money, the Town must provide a 20% local match over several years.

  • Date of Vote: March 11, 2025
  • Required Vote: A 60% (3/5) supermajority to pass
  • Local Share: Approximately $183,150 per year for four years, and $75,650 in year five
  • Estimated Cost to an Average Household: About $36 per year in the upcoming year (based on a $482,000 property)

If approved, Amherst will secure the funds to construct two rail trail segments, described below, as part of the larger Baboosic Greenway initiative.

What Is This Rail Trail About?

A Vision for Safer, Integrated Trails

The Amherst Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee was established in 2017 to explore resident needs, prioritize safety, and improve walkable/bikeable options in town. Through public surveys, community forums, and a Town Master Plan update, 84% of respondents identified safe pedestrian and bicycle paths as a priority for Amherst.

The Baboosic Greenway

This larger 48-mile state-led project aims to create an off-road network of shared-use trails across Amherst, Merrimack, Milford, Bedford, and Brookline. In Amherst, the 21.7-mile “Amherst Rail Trail” uses a mix of abandoned rail beds and “sidepaths” along key roads (e.g., along Amherst St). The goal is to link neighborhoods, schools, and recreation areas—offering residents an alternative to traveling by car on busy roads.

Progress to Date

  • Planning & Mapping: From 2017 to 2021, the town developed a proposed route to connect major points of interest.
  • Community Support: A March 2024 article passed, showing voter support (2,087 to 863) for continued rail trail development.
  • Key Segments Completed or Funded: Amherst Street sidepath, easements to expand the trail network, and partial funding for the School Campus Path along Boston Post Road.

$2,600,000+ in Grant Funding Awarded

The Town of Amherst has been awarded $2.6 million as part of the Baboosic Greenway under the NH Department of Transportation’s 10-Year Plan. These state funds are once-in-a-generation transportation investments aimed at increasing safe, off-road pathways in Hillsborough County.

Town’s Required 20% Match

To receive the $2.6 million, Amherst must secure a 20% local match through Article 35. The overall match—spread over five years—covers construction, engineering, and local administrative costs. If not approved, these state funds may be reallocated elsewhere and not likely to become available again soon.

What would this build?

Article 35 directly funds two adjacent rail trail segments, often referred to by their planning names: North 02 and North 03. Together, these create about 4.6 new miles of off-road routes or sidepaths.

Segment North 02

  • General Location: Extends from Walnut Hill Road to Baboosic Lake Road, with a spur to Meeting Place Mall.
  • Features: Follows an abandoned rail bed already used by walkers, cyclists, and equestrians; includes minor upgrades like improved surfaces or boardwalks where needed.
  • Connectivity:
    • Links neighborhoods near Walnut Hill Road to Birch Park and other trails.
    • Adds a safer pathway for people who currently walk or bike along these roads.

Segment North 03

  • General Location: Runs along the north side of Amherst Street (NH 122) from Baboosic Lake Road to near Boston Post Road.
  • Features: An off-road sidepath in one of Amherst’s highest-traffic corridors.
  • Connectivity:
    • Fills a key gap, connecting multiple existing or planned trail segments into a cohesive network.
    • Provides a safer alternative for pedestrians and cyclists who currently share the road with vehicles traveling at higher speeds.

Together, North 02 and North 03 significantly advance the overarching goal: a continuous rail trail corridor spanning Amherst, integrating with other local and regional trails.

Why Does Amherst Need This?

Community feedback over several years indicates concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety on busy roads, such as Route 101 and Route 122. The Amherst Master Plan and Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee have consistently highlighted the need for more off-road routes to:

  • Improve Safety: Reduce exposure to high-speed traffic.
  • Provide Healthy Options: Encourage walking, biking, and recreation for all ages.
  • Boost Connectivity: Link neighborhoods, schools, town facilities, and local businesses.
  • Leverage Cost Savings: Coordinate with state road projects and secure grants that reduce local expenses.

What Happens if Article 35 Does Not Pass?

If the article fails to reach the 60% approval threshold:

  • The town may lose access to the $2.6 million in state funding for these two key segments.
  • Amherst’s overall rail trail network may remain disconnected, particularly the critical crossing near Route 101.
  • Future grant opportunities at this scale are uncertain or may require re-submitting proposals with no guarantee of success.

Key Dates & Further Information

  • Deliberative Session: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 7:00 PM at Souhegan High School.
  • Town Election: Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Polling locations and hours will be announced by the Town Clerk’s office.