Concord to hold listening session on I-93 bridge park 

Members of the public can learn about and give input on Concord’s plans to potentially build a bridge park over the interstate at a meeting and listening session Tuesday night. 

Last summer, Concord City Councilors approved a $200,000 feasibility study for creating a park spanning over the interstate to connect downtown with the riverfront. The study is developing designs for what the bridge could look like, and how it would connect to Storrs Street and Loudon Road, as well as preliminary costs. The project would be in conjunction with the New Hampshire State Department of Transportation’s vision to widen the interstate in the Concord area. 

At a meeting in Council chambers Tuesday evening, the firm performing the study will give a presentation on its work, and members of the public will be able to share their thoughts and develop suggestions in small breakout groups. 

The city previously explored the concept of a bridge park in 2006. At that time, a similar study concluded that a bridge park would not be feasible. But, with the state’s plans to widen I-93 changing form and inching forward, the idea was revived last year. 

The city’s downtown has been separated from the river by the railroad since before the interstate was built. Proponents on the council last year of reopening the conversation said that the highway construction window presented a key opportunity to rejoin the two, improve public access to the riverfront and draw more visitors to the city. 

The meeting will take place in Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.