Sign Change to Help Clarify Merge Confusion

The following was issued by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation regarding a sign change at the Exit 13 juncture with Daniel Webster Highway:

Following completion of the new Raymond Wieczorek Drive, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation received a number of comments and concerns relative to the eastbound exit ramp from RWD to US Route 3 (Daniel Webster Highway). The concern is related to the conflict between southbound exiting traffic wishing to turn right at DWH crossing northbound traffic wishing to turn left. As designed, the northbound exit ramp opens to a left and right turn lane at the signalized intersection so that they do not need to change lanes in order to make either movement. On the other hand, the southbound exit ramp extends to a left turn only lane at the signal. In order to make a right turn from this ramp, motorists need to cross one full lane (the adjacent left turn lane) to get to the right turn only lane.

It has been brought to the Department’s attention that this short “weave” section has not operated as intended and has led to a number of complaints to local traffic safety personnel. It has been observed that the southbound exiting traffic often shifts immediately toward the right turn lane, even when there is conflicting traffic exiting the adjacent northbound exit ramp. In addition, it appears that northbound exiting traffic routinely blocks southbound exiting traffic from safely moving to the right turn lane. As a result of a field investigation that observed the behavior described above, it was noted that the existing warning signage, depicted a “merge” condition, which would imply that the traffic entering from the driver’s right would be expected to yield to through traffic. As this is not the condition at this location, this sign is inappropriate for the condition.

As a result of our review, and with the concurrence of the Bedford and Merrimack Police Chiefs, the Department will be replacing the existing “merge” signs with the more appropriate “added lane” sign (see attached image).

We will also install an additional version of the same sign along the northbound exit ramp.

In order to emphasize this sign change and the expected driver responsibilities at this point of convergence, the Department will add a supplemental educational plaque below these signs reminding motorists to yield when changing lanes.

Due to the nature of these concerns and the observed behavior of traffic at this location, these changes will be made as soon as possible. In addition, the Department will be evaluating measures to improve sight distances between the two converging streams of traffic. If sight lines can be significantly improved with minor earthwork between the two ramps, that work would be accomplished during the summer construction season.