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DOT plans hearings on 121A safety upgrades

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 6:56 GMT by Eagle-Tribune
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New Hampshire DOT Plans Hearings on 121A Safety Upgrades

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a series of public hearings to discuss a comprehensive safety upgrade for the 121A corridor, a critical stretch of roadway that serves several rural communities and supports regional commerce. The initiative comes in response to a spike in collision data over the past two years and follows a state‑wide effort to reduce severe accidents on high‑volume county and state routes.

Why 121A Needs Attention

121A is a 3.7‑mile segment of Route 121 that runs through the towns of New London and Seabrook. According to DOT traffic studies released in March, the corridor recorded 23 crashes in 2023, 12 of which involved injuries, and an average daily traffic (ADT) of 8,200 vehicles. Analysts point to a mix of design deficiencies—sharp curves, inadequate shoulder width, and poorly lit intersections—as primary contributors to the accident rate.

“121A has been a known safety concern for years,” said DOT Deputy Director of Planning, Maria Alvarez. “Our data shows that the intersection at Route 108 and the median barrier on the southbound lane are especially problematic. We’re committed to addressing these issues before the next major funding cycle.”

The Upgrade Package

The DOT’s proposed safety package is detailed in a 15‑page PDF, Safety Upgrade Plan for Route 121A (downloadable from the DOT website). Key elements include:

1. Curve Realignment and Shoulder Widening – Tight curves will be eased, and shoulders expanded to 10 feet on both sides to improve emergency stopping areas.
2. Median Barrier Replacement – The current concrete barrier will be replaced with a newer, taller design that better contains vehicles in the event of a crossover accident.
3. Roadway Resurfacing and Drainage Improvements – A new asphalt layer with enhanced surface texture will reduce skidding, while upgraded culverts and ditches will address water‑logging issues.
4. Intersection Reconfiguration – The junction at Route 108 will be widened, and a dedicated left‑turn lane will be added to reduce rear‑end collisions.
5. Enhanced Signage and Lighting – Updated reflective signs and LED streetlights will increase visibility during low‑light conditions.

The projected cost of the upgrade stands at $5.3 million, with $3.2 million earmarked for design and engineering services, $1.5 million for construction, and $0.6 million for contingency and environmental mitigation.

Public Hearing Schedule

The DOT will host four public hearing sessions across the corridor’s municipalities:

DOT officials will present the draft plan, solicit feedback, and answer questions regarding design details, environmental impact, and funding sources. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit written comments that will be incorporated into the final proposal.

Community Reaction

The announcement has already sparked varied reactions. Seabrook resident Tom Hargreaves expressed enthusiasm, noting that “the old stretch was always a headache for commuters. This will be a game‑changer.” Meanwhile, New London business owner Lisa Chen voiced concerns about construction disruption: “We’ll need a clear plan for detours and minimizing downtime, especially during the holiday season.”

Town councils of both New London and Seabrook have called for transparent communication and a rigorous traffic‑impact study. “We want to see that this upgrade doesn’t just add features, but truly reduces crash risk,” said Seabrook Mayor David Ruiz. “Public safety is our top priority.”

Funding and Timeline

The DOT intends to secure funding through a combination of state transportation appropriations, federal grants, and local contributions. The agency noted that the state’s 2026 transportation budget includes a line item for 121A, contingent upon the project’s completion of the public‑hearings stage and a formal environmental review.

If the hearings conclude favorably, the DOT expects to finalize design documents by August 2025, with construction slated to begin in early 2026 and complete by late 2027.

Additional Resources

Readers can access the full safety upgrade plan PDF, Safety Upgrade Plan for Route 121A, via the DOT’s online portal. The plan includes detailed engineering drawings, a cost breakdown, and an environmental impact assessment. The DOT also provides a FAQ page outlining the hearing process and how to register to speak.

As New Hampshire moves forward with this crucial initiative, the 121A corridor is poised to become a model of modern roadway safety, balancing efficient traffic flow with the well‑being of its riders. The upcoming hearings will play a pivotal role in shaping the final design, ensuring that community input and expert analysis guide the project’s path forward.