M E M O R A N D U M
TO: File
FROM: Christopher R. Bean, PE
DATE: February 22, 2002
RE: Derry-LondonderrySUBJECT: Londonderry Transportation Forum
LOCATION: Londonderry High School
ATTENDEES: Carol Murray NHDOT CommissionerOn Tuesday, 2/19/02, I was contacted by Troy Brown of Londonderry and asked to attend a transportation forum. Troy asked if CLD would attend and be prepared to give a short presentation on the status of the Exit 4A EIS and answer questions. Find below a brief summary of all the topics covered at the meeting. The purpose of this memo is not for it to be all-inclusive, instead only to present some highlights from the meeting.
This project will involve the coordination of the signals along Route 102 beginning at the I-93 northbound off ramp and extending westerly through Winding Pond Road. In addition, the signals at the existing Route 128 intersection will be upgraded, and should additional signalized intersections develop within this approximate one-mile stretch between Route 128 and Winding Pond Road, the capability of tying them into the proposed coordinated signals to the east in the future could be provided.
This project is a Congestion Management Air Quality (CMAQ) project, which means that it is funded with CMAQ funds. It is eligible for this type of funding since it will help clean up the air by reducing traffic congestion. The funding will be provided 80% by the Federal Government and 20% by the State. CMAQ type funding can also be provided to local communities whereby the 20% share would be the responsibility of the Towns. The estimated cost of the signal coordination project is $375,000. It is expected to advertise in March of 2002 and be completed in late August or early September of 2002.
A concern was voiced by Bob Ramsey that the signalized intersection of Fordway and Route 102 in Derry is problematic in that it results in traffic backing up westerly through the interchange. Mr. Ramsey asked whether the Department has or will include this intersection in their improvement. Carol responded by indicating that the Department will come down and review the existing timings at the intersection to ensure that they are optimized. Jeff further explained that the intersection currently operates in a failure condition during the peak hour and what is needed to improve the intersection capacity is more lanes, which is beyond the scope of this project. Jeff then indicated that one of the purposes of the Exit 4A project is to relieve traffic on Route 102 in Derry, which would offer some relief to this Fordway/Route 102 intersection problem.
Several concerns were voiced about the difficulty of pedestrians to cross Route 102. A question was raised as to whether the signalization coordination project would provide for pedestrian crosswalks. Carol explained that the volume of traffic on Route 102 and the width of the road were such that providing pedestrian crosswalks was not realistic. She further explained that providing for safe pedestrian mobility was beyond the scope of the CMAQ project. She indicated that there is another funding mechanism called Transportation Enhancement Funds (TEF) which would be an appropriate funding source for a study and possible construction of facilities to enhance pedestrian mobility. She indicated that typically with a major road like Route 102, the pedestrian crossing facility might include a pedestrian overpass or an underpass. She then mentioned that the Town of Bedford has an extensive program underway to improve pedestrian mobility across Route 101, which in fact tends to split the community similar to what Route 102 does in Londonderry.
Jeff began by explaining that the planning is continuing. He offered to review detailed plans after the formal meeting if anyone was interested.
Much frustration was voiced about the need for I-93 widening, especially between Interchanges 1 and 3 northbound. Questions were raised as to why other projects on Interstates around the State were being completed and no work was being done on I-93. Jeff and Carol explained that the I-93 project is currently going through an extensive EIS study. The Resource Agencies will not permit widening of a portion of the Salem to Manchester route without having the impacts associated with the ultimate layout defined and approved. The one exception is that the Resource Agencies have agreed to allow the Department to widen the bridges for a potential future widening project, as long as their widening does not prejudice the ultimate alignments. This is a calculated risk the Department is taking in an effort to expedite the project. The Department appreciates the frustration of those who spoke in need of the improvement. They encouraged those who support the project to show up at meetings to help propel the project forward so that the problems can be solved.
Jeff began by indicating that the Department and the Town's consultant, CLD, were working together to coordinate the planning efforts relative to the I-93 widening project and the Exit 4A project. He indicated that he was not sure which project would come first.
Chris Bean gave a brief summary of the project, explaining the remaining alternatives and the next steps. Detailed studies on the remaining six alternatives are underway and it is expected this information will lead to selection of the Preferred Alternative. The next step will be for a Public Informational Meeting followed by a Public Hearing on the Preferred Alternative in the summer/fall of 2002. The Draft EIS will be distributed prior to the Public Hearing. Assuming the Public Hearing is successful, the Final EIS could be completed six months following the Public Hearing. Assuming the Final Design and Right-of-Way acquisition were to take two additional years to complete, the earliest possible construction would be in the year 2005.
A question was raised about the redevelopment of downtown Derry and the potential negative effect reducing traffic on Route 102 would have on businesses. It was explained that the intent of a new interchange would be to take the through traffic off Route 102, which will only enhance the capability of those people who want to shop downtown by reducing congestion.
A question was asked about the status of the former railroad line just west of Route 28. It was explained that as part of the 4A studies, we were proceeding to provide capability for the former railroad Right-of-Way to be continued as a pedestrian/bicycle facility with a grade-separated crossing at the proposed connector road with the alternatives which crossed it. The status of the ownership of the former railroad Right-of-Way in Derry and Londonderry was not available; however, it was recommended that citizens with Right-of-Way questions should coordinate directly with Town staff to get this information.
Carol explained the State's Ten-Year Highway Plan two-year process. The current status of the plan is that it is being considered by the NH House. It will then proceed to the NH Senate and then to the Governor for signature. She highlighted the fact that there is a funding shortfall to implement the complete proposed plan.
The Department presented a short video summarizing access control treatments which communities can and have undertaken to enhance safety and improve traffic flow. The video was turned over to the Town for their use. The Town intends to show the video on its public access channel.
I spoke briefly with Chris Dornin, Political Reporter for the Derry News, following the meeting. He indicated that he will be doing a story on the meeting, including Exit 4A. He asked for and we agreed to send a JPEG file of the graphic presented at the meeting for his use. Mr. Dornin intends to publish the graphic of the Exit 4A alternatives. He also requested the estimated costs of the alternatives. A copy of an environmental matrix, which included the estimated costs, was turned over for his use.
CRB:jm
cc: Jim Anagnos, CATF