Everett Turnpike Improvement Project Will Create 3 Lanes Of Travel

MERRIMACK, NH — Thousands of drivers traveling the F.E. Everett Turnpike are seeing significant construction in Bedford and Merrimack.

A $246 million construction project, which began in 2022, will take several years to complete according to a detailed plan by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT).

Richard Arcand of the NH DOT said over 300,000 vehicles travel on the Turnpike weekly according to the five-year average.

When the project is completed, the turnpike will have three lanes of travel on both the northbound and southbound sides from Bedford to the Massachusetts state line.

Last year, construction began on a portion of the turnpike, just south of Interstate 293. The project involved blasting the ledge on both sides of the highway to make room for additional lanes.

The Bedford portion of the project is nearing completion with paving being done at night by contractors. This portion of the project was done at a cost of approximately $22 million, according to NH DOT.

On the turnpike south of the toll plaza, tree cutting began this year and will continue until the project is completed.

Houses on Back River Road in Merrimack are becoming exposed to the turnpike on the southbound side as the trees are removed.

As trees are removed, preparation for the ground is being completed by contractors. Removal of trees on the northbound side, between Bedford Road north, was recently started. When all tree removal and ground preparation is completed, paving will begin. This portion of the project is being done at an approximate cost of $23 million, according to NH DOT.

In 2024, a portion of the project will begin between Exit 8 and Exit 10. This $33 million project will expand both sides of the turnpike to three lanes, according to NH DOT.

The portion of the project with the highest projected cost will begin in Merrimack in 2025.

The Turnpike will be widened to three lanes between Exit 11 and Exit 12 at a cost of approximately $120.3 Million.

Also beginning in 2025, two Merrimack bridges on the “Red Listed bridges,” due to their condition, will be replaced.

The Baboosic Lake Road Bridge and the Wire Road Bridge will be replaced at a cost of approximately $21.7 Million.

©Jeffrey Hastings www.frameofmindphoto.com/news