Jul 18, 2007 10:33 pm US/Eastern
Speeding Up I-93 Expansion Could Hurt Other Roads
by Karen Anderson
CONCORD, N.H. (WBZ) ―
While crews work to expand one of our busiest highways, the plan for I-93 in New Hampshire is changing.
The original idea called for four lanes in each direction along the 20 mile stretch from Salem to Manchester with a 2012 completion date.
The project came with a $750 million price tag.
The new proposal by Transportation Commissioner Charles O'Leary calls for widening the roadway between the state line and exit 3 in Windham, and reworking exit 5.
These projects will likely be completed in three years.
"We propose to do it in a manor that will maintain a reasonable flow of traffic, a safe flow of traffic, not only for the commuters but for the tourists," said O'Leary.
But the situation isn't so rosy for other roads.
O'Leary said more than 60 other projects must be scaled back or cut.
"We've recognized there has been rampant inflation in construction. A forty-five percent increase in the last three years," said O'Leary.
The expansion project is on hold pending a lawsuit filed by some conservation groups. They want a rail plan required as part of the project.
The stretch of I-93 from Salem to Manchester was built to accomodate more than 70,000 cars a day. It currently handles about 100,000 vehicles.
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