Final Environmental Impact Report - Whittier Bridge/I-95 ...

forested and open character, though they are not publicly protected from development. Further
north, lengthy walking trails exist in both Amesbury (he Riverwalk) and Salisbury (the Ghost
Trail), although a connection between them does not exist. South of the river there are 650 acres
with 2.8 miles of protected land along the river, between the Chain Bridge/Merrimac St. and the
Artichoke River. Fully 2.0 miles ofthe Merrimack River Trail is already in use immediately adjacent
to the river.
Anetwork of sidewalks already exists on many of the roadways on both sides of the river. On the
north, Merrill Street and Rabbit Road have continuous sidewalks along one side that connect
from Salisbury's Ghost Trail to Main Street, the older bridges over the river and Spofford Street in
Newburyport. South of the river, sidewalks along Spofford Street link into the Moseley Woods
Park walking trails and connect with Merrimac Street, which provides sidewalk and trail links to
the center of Newburyport and to the commuter rail station.
The center ofthe bridge will be the goal for most walkers. The view from the midpoint is 1
extremely beautiful, looking down the river toward the sea, with the ancient Chain Bridge, an old
house and the tiny Deer Island dominating the near view, backed by unspoiled wooded riverbank.
It's an extraordinary sight - unique and very worth a walk. Most walkers will want to go to this
point to enjoy the view from the bridge and overlooks with benches would be desirable.
Awalker's abilities are very different from a cyclist's. Cyclists tend to bike relatively long
distances. There are many long-distance walkers, too, but most pedestrians are looking for
recreational loop walking routes and may want to walk shorter distances than bicyclists would
use. A 30-minute walk would cover about 1.5 miles at an average pace. Since most walkers will
be coming to the Whittier Bridge Trail by car, the distance between the bridge and a parking lot is
important to consider to promote the use ofthe new trail by walkers.
Issues to consider as the planning and design of the project continues
1. Pedestrian use of the bridge will be determined in part by available parking. The existing
Rte 113 commuter lot is the only area currently proposed for walkers to park. The center ofthe
bridge is about 5,000 feet from this lot, so a round trip walk to the viewpoint would total
nearly 2 miles. This can be quite formidable for an average person or family with kids.
2. Additional parking at Rte 110 is also fairly far for walkers. Parking is not currently planned,
but it could be added at the Rte 110 end of this trail- a location where walkers can access the
center ofthe bridge in about 3,500 feet, or 1'h miles for the round trip.
3. Eliminating parking at Ferry Road is not helpful for walkers. The proposed trail on-ramp at
Ferry Road is 2,000 feet from the center ofthe Whittier Bridge - an attractive distance for
walkers. Providing a parking area along Ferry Road would attract walkers.
4. A parking area exists in Amesbury, but is inaccessible to the trail. The existing Amesbury
Visitor Center at 505 Main Street is a potential site for parking, only 1,000 feet from the center
ofthe bridge, but no physical con.nection to the trail is currently proposed at that location. A
physical connection should be considered to provide access to an existing rest area and
because publicly-owned land adjacent to 1-95 is available to construct such a connection.
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