Concord unveils plan to rehabilitate Loudoun Road bridge, add 12‑ft shared‑use path

City of Concord officials and project staff presented a preliminary plan to rehabilitate and partially widen the Loudoun Road bridge over the Merrimack River and add a 12‑foot shared‑use path that will connect the Merrimack River Greenway Trail (MRGT) to the Northern Rail Trail.

Mike Visanson, the city engineer, opened the meeting and said the project responds to structural and operational problems. Project staff described the structure as a "red listed" bridge that needs deck replacement and pier work, and said the team aims to improve safety and multimodal access while keeping work largely within the existing bridge footprint.

The recommended design would replace the bridge deck, add girders and widen piers to support a wider deck, install a concrete barrier between traffic and a 12‑foot shared‑use path, provide 5‑foot shoulders and a 6‑foot sidewalk in places, install a raised median for opposing‑traffic separation, and update bridge and approach rail and ornamental lighting. A project presenter said the design includes operational changes at adjacent intersections (Gully Hill Road and Fort Eddy Road) including a left‑turn/exclusive lane to reduce weaving and improve…