NHDOT Proposes More Signal Lights On Route 101A

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is considering new traffic lights at the Amherst/Milford town line, but local officials are concerned that this may not be the best solution to daily traffic problems.

NHDOT presented Amherst selectmen with one proposed solution to commuter buildup at the Route 101A/101 intersection on Monday, which would add a signal light to the intersection, and an additional right turn lane on the off ramp onto 101A.

This intersection sees plenty of traffic backup, with 31,000 commuters driving through Route 101A and 21,500 through Route 101 each day. NHDOT has designated their intersection as one of the worst for traffic backups in the state.

Amherst selectmen were unsure if additional signals would be the best choice to improve traffic flow since the current lights in this area do not synchronize correctly. 

“Unless something is done to synchronize those lights, I see it as a huge mess, said selectman George Infanti.

Milford selectmen, who were also at the meeting that night, also had reservations about adding a signal to this intersection. Selectman Mark Fougere agreed that traffic lights just aren’t lining up for commuters, even though the state has made an effort to remedy this issue. He said that adding another lane off of Route 101 onto 101A eastbound would be far more effective.

“Another light should be the last resort,” he said.

NHDOT officials said he would look into a fix for the offbeat signal lights, and that his department is considering all options. 

Work is expected to begin in January 2018 with a $2 million budget. He did not expect any work on this intersection to cost this much, and he would see that any leftover funds were used on another area of Route 101A.