BREAKING: A significant victory for advocates as the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel will be constructed following a newly reached settlement with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This urgent development ensures the protection of the Manchester & Lawrence Railroad Historic District while paving the way for a safer trail for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel announced today that the settlement resolves a lawsuit initiated in August 2024, aimed at halting construction changes that threatened to eliminate the tunnel. In a ruling by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro in June 2025, it was determined that the defendants could not proceed with plans that would jeopardize the historic corridor.
“I’m grateful for this resolution. We’ve known that the law was on our side as we fought to protect the historic rail corridor,” said Dave Topham, president of the New Hampshire Rail Trails Coalition. This construction will now integrate the tunnel into the expansion of Exit 4A on I-93, a move that advocates argue significantly enhances safety for the thousands expected to use the trail.
The legal battle centered around a contested design change that replaced the tunnel with a problematic at-grade crossing amid six lanes of traffic, raising serious safety concerns. The settlement mandates the implementation of the original design, preserving the historic alignment of the railroad corridor and ensuring safer access for trail users.
“This settlement affirms the importance of federal laws like Section 4(f) in protecting trails and historic railroad corridors,” stated Ryan Chao, president of the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), the leading advocacy organization for rail-trails in the U.S. Chao highlighted the tunnel’s construction as a crucial win for community safety and historic preservation nationwide.
The lawsuit pointed out that the FHWA’s design modification, dubbed the “spaghetti loop,” violated federal historic preservation laws by failing to minimize harm to historic sites. The court found that the new design did not adequately protect the original corridor, a critical factor in the settlement outcome.
Local resident Alex Bernhard, a member of the advocacy committee, expressed relief that the original design will be reinstated, emphasizing that it had public support and prioritized community safety.
The Committee to Save the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel, composed of dedicated cycling advocates, aims to ensure secure and accessible trails for all users. The RTC, with a grassroots community of over 1 million, remains committed to enhancing public access to trails and historical areas.
As the plans progress, residents and trail users will be closely monitoring the situation, eager to see construction commence and the tunnel become a reality. This outcome marks a significant step forward in preserving both historical integrity and community safety, reinforcing the need for responsible transportation planning.
For those invested in trail accessibility and historic preservation, this settlement is a resounding affirmation of their efforts and the ongoing importance of safeguarding public spaces. Stay tuned for further updates as the construction timeline unfolds and the Derry Rail Trail Tunnel begins to take shape.
