November 2021 ASCE-NH / ASCE-VT Joint Meeting Webinar Summary
The November 2021 ASCE-NH / ASCE-VT Joint Meeting occurred virtually as a Webinar via Zoom Video Communications . There were more than 70 attendees during the lunchtime event ! The Webinar was another excellent opportunity for Members of the Sections ( and Non-Members ) to gather remotely , receive PDHs , and engage in an interesting topic .
The Webinar highlighted the Downtown Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in Lebanon , NH , which completed a major part of the City ’ s 2016 ‘ Downtown Vision Plan ’. The session was led by Gregory Goodrich , P . E ., and Michael Willard , PLA , LEED AP , of VHB who were integral design team members on the project that shared their wealth of inside knowledge of it from concept to completion . VHB worked closely with the City of Lebanon on all facets of the former railway tunnel rehabilitation efforts . The project included a deck replacement with a watertight translucent enclosure near the middle of the plaza and tunnel to create a focal point for the concourse while creating natural lighting within . The rehabilitated tunnel now also serves as a link connecting the Mascoma River Greenway and Northern Rail Trail ; vehicular access over the tunnel has now also been restored .
Completed in July 2021 , the tunnel and plaza improvements have created a more vibrant downtown that has benefitted the community through enhanced bicycle / pedestrian mobility and a safer user experience . It also has served notable improvements on quality of life and economic vitality for the City of Lebanon . Thank you to Greg and Michael for your time and effort to make the Webinar exceptional ; and thank you to ASCE-VT for coordinating an excellent Joint Meeting !