Construction is Moving Again: Connecting the Winnipesaukee River Trail
- Marty
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
After an incredibly challenging winter season, we're excited to share that Coleman Construction returned to work last week and construction activity is once again underway.
The first priority this construction season is the Winnipesaukee River Trail interconnection beneath the Sanborn Bridge. This important improvement will create a safer and more intuitive connection along the river corridor, allowing trail users to move through the area without navigating difficult roadway crossings.
For years, one of the goals of the project has been to better connect people to the Winnipesaukee River. This trail interconnection is another important piece of that vision. When complete, residents and visitors will have a safer, more enjoyable experience moving between downtown, the Winnipesaukee River Trail, and Trestle View Park.
Construction of the trail connection is expected to take approximately four to six weeks.
Once the trail work is complete, Coleman Construction will return to Feature #1 in the river.
While significant progress has already been made, that feature remains unfinished and requires additional work is required before it turns into a green wave.
The reality is that building in and around a river is never simple. This past winter presented some of the most difficult conditions we've encountered since construction began. Very cold temperatures, ice, fluctuating weather, and the logistical challenges of working within a regulated river environment all impacted the pace of work. These projects are measured in seasons, not days, and every step requires careful coordination between engineers, contractors, permitting agencies, and project partners.
Despite those challenges, progress continues.
Every section of trail built, every stone placed, and every improvement completed brings us closer to realizing a vision that began more than a decade ago: reconnecting Franklin to the river that built this city.
We also recognize that transformational projects often generate questions, scrutiny, and differing opinions. That's part of undertaking something ambitious in a public space. Throughout the process, we have remained committed to our community, showing up in public spaces, discussing the project face to face, and working collaboratively with our partners, regulators, contractors, volunteers, and community members.
Our focus remains exactly where it has always been—on building something lasting for Franklin.
The work happening today beneath the Sanborn Bridge may seem modest compared to the whitewater features taking shape in the river, but these trail connections are what transform individual projects into a connected destination. They help link downtown Franklin, Mill City Park, the Winnipesaukee River Trail, future riverfront improvements, and the growing network of recreational opportunities that are bringing new energy to our community.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support this effort, volunteer their time, attend events, donate, advocate, and believe in what Franklin can become.
We'll continue sharing construction updates over the coming weeks, and we encourage everyone to follow along as the trail connection takes shape.
The work continues, and so does the vision.
