F.E. Everett Turnpike Improvements Project, Bedford, NH

The F.E. Everett Turnpike in New Hampshire is a vital north/south transportation corridor linking residents, communities, commerce, and tourism in New Hampshire and Massachusetts to Nashua, Manchester, Concord, and other key cities. Over the years, several improvements have been made at major interchanges along the 20-mile corridor; however, two-lane “gap” sections between these interchanges had remained much unchanged, creating significant congestion and safety challenges. CHA Consulting, Inc. (CHA) led a multi-disciplinary team, including subconsultants Independent Archaeological Consulting, Inc.; McFarland Johnson, Inc.; Huntley Survey & Design, PLLC; and VCS Engineering, Inc., to address these issues through the final design of Segment 13761D in Bedford. This project included widening the turnpike to three lanes, integrating advanced Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), and implementing innovative stormwater management practices to meet evolving regulations. 

By employing techniques such as step box widening and minimizing Right-of-Way impacts, CHA’s team advanced the project efficiently to enhance roadway capacity, safety, and sustainability while maintaining environmental integrity. The project’s timely completion was realized through the team’s dedication, which overcame challenges such as an accelerated schedule, evolving stormwater requirements, and the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their efforts met and exceeded the expectations of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the state legislature. Additionally, CHA’s responsiveness during construction included designing a noise barrier revision to address community concerns, satisfying the project’s stakeholders. The successful collaboration between CHA, NHDOT, and the project team highlights the essential role of innovative and community-focused engineering in advancing infrastructure solutions.