Issue · Exeter, NH

CSX Bridge Removal and Community Access

Removal of out-of-service bridge threatens emergency access, school connectivity and historic right-of-way.

Overview

CSX proposed removing an unsafe out-of-service bridge at no cost, but residents and the select board raised concerns about emergency access, connectivity, historic use, and lack of written commitments, leading to a pause for due diligence rather than expedited action.

Background

The issue of CSX Bridge Removal and Community Access arose when CSX proposed removing an out-of-service bridge, prompting extensive public discussion at the select-board meeting on concerns over community impacts.

Residents and board members raised safety and access issues tied to emergency response times, pedestrian routes to schools and downtown, and historic right-of-way use, along with frustration over perceived pressure for quick action and the absence of written commitments for any future replacement.

CSX representatives stated the bridge is unsafe and cannot be repaired, while offering removal at no cost and a willingness to continue dialogue.

The board declined to agree to an expedited removal timeline, instead requiring due diligence on ownership, easements, historic and environmental requirements, and alternatives, plus written agreements and transparency before any decision.

This led to a pause for further review, with promises of advance notice to residents and plans for additional public meetings.

No decision was made at the meeting, leaving the matter open pending the town's due diligence process.

Competing positions center on balancing CSX's offer of cost-free removal against community needs for assured access and protections.

How it unfolded

Extensive public discussion on CSX's plan to remove an out-of-service bridge, community safety/access concerns, and need for due diligence before any action; no decision made, with board requiring pause for review, due diligence on ownership/easements/historic/environmental requirements/alternatives, written agreements, transparency, and additional public meetings; CSX to continue dialogue.

2026-06-15Select Board

Meeting →

Arguments in favor

The bridge is unsafe and cannot be repaired.

select-board 2026-06-15

For

Removal would be provided at no cost.

select-board 2026-06-15

For

CSX expresses willingness to continue dialogue.

select-board 2026-06-15

For

Arguments against

Removal threatens emergency response times.

select-board 2026-06-15

Against

Removal impacts pedestrian connectivity to schools and downtown.

select-board 2026-06-15

Against

Removal raises concerns over historic use of the right-of-way.

select-board 2026-06-15

Against

There is a lack of written commitments from CSX for future replacement.

select-board 2026-06-15

Against

Key voices

“Expressed frustration over perceived pressure to act quickly on bridge removal, citing emergency response times, pedestrian connectivity to schools/downtown, historic use of the right-of-way, and lack of written commitments for future replacement.”

Residents and board membersselect-board 2026-06-15

“Clarified the bridge is unsafe, cannot be repaired, and offered removal at no cost while expressing will to continue dialogue.”

CSX representativesselect-board 2026-06-15

What's next

Additional public meetings; town to conduct due diligence on ownership, easements, historic/environmental requirements, and alternatives; advance notice to residents promised.

Where it was discussed

Meetings that took up this issue.

Select Board

2026-06-15extensive public discussion on CSX bridge removal impacts and need for due diligence

Meeting →

csx bridgeemergency accesspedestrian connectivity