Alton, Barnstead, Pittsfield, Chichester, and Epsom

Read the Rt. 28 Corridor Study Document

The Central NH Regional Planning Commission (CNHRPC), in partnership with Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC), received Statewide Planning and Research (SPR) funding from NH Department of Transportation to conduct a safety study along NH Route 28 between Alton and Epsom. CNHRPC worked closely with LRPC through completion in September 2009.

In Spring 2009, CNHRPC and LRPC collected data including traffic volume, speed, and vehicle classification counts, zoning and land use, a sign inventory, pavement conditions, level of service details for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, and historical vehicle accident data. A Project Advisory Committee made up of local officials from the five towns along the corridor formed to participate in the study. During Spring 2009, the PAC conducted safety audits at problematic sites along the route. From the results of the audit, ten sites were chosen for further study. Following a qualification-based selection process, VHB was chosen as consulting engineer for assistance in preparing conceptual safety improvements at the top ten sites. VHB presented its designs to the PAC in July 2009, and the PAC accepted VHB's recommendations. CNHRPC and LRPC presented the draft study, including accumulated data, safety audit findings, and recommended engineering solutions, to the PAC in late August 2009. The study was completed in September and has been presented to the towns' Boards of Selectmen for final comments and submitted to NHDOT for approval and implementation.

Purpose:

This Study provides information to each of the five affected municipalities as well as to Lakes Region Planning Commission, Central NH Regional Planning Commission, and the NH Department of Transportation about the short-term and long-term outlook for this portion of the NH 28 Corridor regarding development, congestion, and safety. A series of findings and recommendations has helped the municipalities understand the implications of land use decisions and also provides a real sense of projected congestion so that they have the opportunity to make informed decisions. The planning commissions and the NH Department of Transportation have gained a better understanding of where the corridor will experience failures in the future.

Project Outcomes:

• Corridor-wide prioritized list of safety needs
• Conceptual designs for safety improvements
• Recommendations on land use practices

Additional information: Safety Audit background information