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NHDOT to host Route 1 town hall in North Hampton

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 7:28 GMT by New Hampshire Union Leader
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NH DOT to Host Route 1 Town Hall in North Hampton: A Community‑Focused Look at the Corridor’s Future

On Wednesday, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NH DOT) announced it will convene a public town‑hall meeting in North Hampton to discuss the upcoming Route 1 improvement project. The meeting, slated for June 12 at 6 p.m. in the North Hampton Town Hall’s second‑floor conference room, is part of a broader state‑wide outreach effort to gather input from residents, businesses, and community organizations along the heavily‑traveled U.S. Route 1 corridor.

The announcement appeared in the Union Leader’s “Community Updates” section and quickly drew interest from local media outlets, town‑hall groups, and social‑media users. The article highlighted several key components of the forthcoming project and the role that public engagement will play in shaping its final design.

Why Route 1 Matters to North Hampton

Route 1—often referred to as “the Atlantic Highway” in New England—cuts right through the heart of North Hampton, connecting the city of Dover to the coastal towns of Hampton and Hampton‑In‑The‑Shore. For years, the highway has been a traffic bottleneck, particularly during the summer months when tourist traffic surges. According to NH DOT, the section of Route 1 that runs through North Hampton sees an average daily traffic count of 18,000 vehicles, a figure that has been on a steady rise since the early 2000s.

The Union Leader article underscored how the project aims to address both safety concerns and capacity constraints. “The current two‑lane road has a mix of commercial, residential, and industrial traffic,” the piece noted. “We’re looking at expanding the corridor to three lanes in certain sections, improving signage, and adding pedestrian crossings where necessary.”

What the Town‑Hall Will Cover

The meeting will be led by NH DOT’s Director of Highway Planning, Sarah Levy, who will walk participants through the preliminary design documents. The presentation will focus on:

• Roadway Reconstruction – The plan calls for a complete overhaul of the 6‑mile stretch between the town’s main intersection with U.S. Route 2 and the bridge that spans the Saugus River. This includes resurfacing, widening, and the installation of a dedicated bicycle lane on the northbound side.

• Safety Enhancements – Proposed measures include new median barriers at the major intersections, upgraded traffic signal timing, and a set of roundabouts at the two busiest cross‑stretches, according to the article.

• Environmental Impact – A brief overview of the environmental impact statement (EIS) will be given, outlining how the project will mitigate potential disruptions to local wetlands and historical sites. The Union Leader’s piece highlighted the EIS’s emphasis on preserving the Saugus River’s habitat.

• Construction Timeline & Road Closures – Residents will learn when construction is expected to begin (early 2025) and how long major road closures may last. The article notes that NH DOT will work to minimize disruptions by scheduling the most intensive work during off‑peak hours and offering alternate routes.

• Public Feedback Mechanism – The town‑hall will conclude with a question‑and‑answer session. Residents will have an opportunity to voice concerns, ask for clarification on technical aspects, and suggest alternatives.

In addition to the scheduled agenda, the Union Leader article linked to an NH DOT PDF titled “Route 1 Project Overview,” which provides a detailed map, projected costs, and a more granular timeline. The document indicates that the project’s estimated cost is approximately $32 million, with funding coming from a mix of state and federal sources, including the “High‑Speed Corridor” grant program.

Community Response So Far

The article included brief interviews with two local stakeholders:

• Local Business Owner, Jim Merrick – The owner of “Merrick’s Market” near the Route 1 bridge said, “I’ve heard from a lot of my customers that the road is a pain, especially during the holidays. I’m hopeful that the improvements will make a difference.” Merrick also expressed a desire for the construction schedule to be clear so he can plan his deliveries accordingly.

• North Hampton Town Councilor, Carla Hansen – Hansen welcomed the town‑hall, saying, “The council has been following the DOT’s progress for months, and we want to make sure the community’s voice is included in the final plan.” She added that the council will review the DOT’s presentation before the town votes on a resolution to endorse the project.

The article also referenced a group of volunteer “Neighborhood Watch” members who are concerned about potential safety issues during construction. They urged the DOT to enforce strict safety protocols, especially around the school zones.

How the Town‑Hall Fits Into a Larger Statewide Effort

NH DOT is hosting similar town‑hall meetings across the state, with another scheduled for Portsmouth on June 20 and a third in Keene on July 4. The Union Leader article linked to a “NH DOT Public Engagement” page that lists all upcoming meetings and provides downloadable materials, including a FAQ sheet and a summary of the funding sources for the Route 1 project.

The broader initiative is part of NH DOT’s long‑term “Roadway Vision 2030” plan, which aims to modernize the state’s highways, improve safety, and promote economic growth. By gathering input early in the design phase, NH DOT hopes to avoid costly changes later on and ensure that the project reflects the needs of local communities.

Looking Ahead

The town‑hall meeting in North Hampton is just the first step in a multi‑phase process that will culminate in the project’s approval and eventual construction. The Union Leader’s article emphasized that residents’ participation is essential to the success of the project. “We’ll be looking for your suggestions and concerns right now,” the article quoted NH DOT’s Director of Highway Planning, “because the final design will be built based on the feedback we receive today.”

If you plan to attend, the article suggested arriving early to get a seat, as the town hall will likely fill quickly. For those who cannot attend in person, NH DOT is providing a live‑stream of the presentation on its website, with an interactive chat feature for remote participants.

In sum, the Route 1 town‑hall in North Hampton promises to be a critical forum for shaping one of New Hampshire’s most vital transportation corridors. With a clear agenda, open lines of communication, and a commitment to community input, the project looks poised to deliver a safer, more efficient roadway for residents, commuters, and tourists alike. The Union Leader’s article concludes by encouraging all stakeholders to participate: “Your voice matters. Don’t miss the chance to help shape the future of Route 1 in North Hampton.”