Bridge too far? Public safety concerns upend NH-Vermont recreation project

The state of New Hampshire recently opened a new $62 million bridge between Brattleboro and the town of Hinsdale, on the New Hampshire side.

The two communities agreed to keep the old bridges open for biking and pedestrians. But when unhoused people in Brattleboro began setting up camp on the island in between them, Hinsdale began having second thoughts.

New Hampshire has since closed the bridges and is now talking about tearing them down.

The towns of Brattleboro and Hinsdale have been discussing developing a pedestrian and biking trail across the Connecticut River for more than 10 years.

The plan has been to repurpose two historic bridges that are no longer open to traffic, and develop the island between them for bird watching, walking and maybe even a kayak launch.

Brett Morrison