The southern segment of the F.E.E.T. Widening Project begins approximately 2000 feet north of the Exit 8 overpass bridge in Nashua and runs northerly for approximately 1.5 miles, ending approximately 1000 feet south of the Exit 10 overpass bridge in Merrimack.

The two bridges over Pennichuck Brook (a reservoir) require replacement due to their advanced age, deteriorating structural elements, and the need to widen them to three lanes in each direction to accommodate the new wider roadway. Work along the causeway leading to the bridges has been minimized in order to avoid impacts to the reservoir. Pennichuck Brook is an environmentally sensitive area and is one of the drinking water sources for the City of Nashua. Careful attention to erosion control and stormwater management will be included in the design and construction.

A portion of the Exit 10 southbound on-ramp and northbound off-ramp will require reconstruction, however the Exit 10 ramp toll plazas are not anticipated to be impacted.

Stormwater treatment facilities will be constructed as part of this project.

The construction cost of this project is estimated to be $28.7 million with work anticipated to begin as early as the Spring of 2023.

Two overpass bridges between Exit 11 and Exit 12 will require replacement as they are not in good condition and their lengths (spans) are not sufficient to accommodate the additional lane to be added in each direction on the F.E.E.T. underneath these bridges. The bridges carry Baboosic Lake Road and Wire Road over the F.E.E.T. The Baboosic Lake Road Bridge is on the State’s Red List, meaning that it is structurally deficient and in need of repair or replacement. Sidewalks will be provided on both sides of the new Baboosic Lake Road Bridge and are being considered for the north side of the Wire Road Bridge. Both roads are town-owned and town-maintained.

The construction cost of this project is estimated to be $11.8 million with work anticipated to begin as early as the Spring of 2024.

The middle segment begins just north of the bridge over Greeley Street/Continental Boulevard at Exit 11 and runs northerly for approximately 5.3 miles, ending approximately one mile south of the Bedford Toll Plaza (Exit 13). The bridge over Greeley Street/Continental Boulevard will have some minor repair work completed as part of this project. This project is located entirely within the Town of Merrimack.

Portions of the Exit 11 northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp will require modifications to meet current ramp standards. Portions of the Exit 12 ramps will also require reconstruction to meet current ramp design standards. The bridge that carries Bedford Road over the F.E.E.T. at Exit 12 already spans far enough to accommodate the widening of the Turnpike.

The F.E.E.T. bridge over the Souhegan River was reconstructed in 2011 as part of a previous NHDOT project and is not anticipated to be impacted.

The bridge that carries the F.E.E.T. over Baboosic Brook (just north of the Wire Road overpass) is undersized and does not meet the standards for hydraulic capacity. In addition, it will require widening to accommodate the new third lane in each direction. A new structure is proposed that will provide a much larger opening improving stream flow and providing a wildlife crossing location while accommodating the wider roadway section. 

Stormwater treatment facilities will be constructed as part of this project.

As part of this work seven sound barriers will also be constructed.

The construction cost of this project is estimated to be $79.8 million with work anticipated to begin as early as the Summer of 2024.

The northern segment begins approximately 0.6 miles south of the US Route 3 overpass bridge and runs northerly for approximately 1.3 miles, ending at the southbound off ramp to NH Route 101 and the northbound on ramp from NH Route 101 within the I-293 interchange.

The southern limit of this segment will match into the F.E.E.T. widening completed as part of the Manchester Airport Access Road Project in 2011.

Stormwater treatment facilities will be constructed as part of this project.

The construction cost of this project is estimated to be $17.6 million with work anticipated to begin as early as the Spring of 2022.

SEGMENT

LOCATION

LENGTH

COST

Southern
13761A

Exit 8 to Exit 10 (Nashua/Merrimack)

1.5 miles

$28.7 million

Middle
13761B

Baboosic Lake Road and Wire Road (Merrimack)

0.65 miles

$11.8 million

Middle
13761C

Exit 11 to Manchester Airport Access Road Project (Merrimack)

5.3 miles

$79.8 million

Northern
13761D

Manchester Airport Access Road Project to I-293 Diverge (Bedford)

1.3 miles

$17.6 million

PE/ROW 13761

Project Wide

8.2 miles

$19.8 million

Total Estimated Cost:

$157.8 million