DOT draft cuts dozens of projects; Plymouth planning staff urges public comment at Oct. 20 hearing

Planning staff told the Planning Board that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's draft 10-year plan would, under current revenue projections, propose removing 49 municipally advanced projects from the list and also exclude newly proposed projects. The town's transportation advisory committee heard the update from DOT Commissioner Bill Watson at a regional meeting and staff encouraged local residents to attend a public hearing in Plymouth.

Why it matters: the 10-year plan determines which state-funded road, bridge and sidewalk projects receive programmed attention and funding. If projects are cut from the plan, towns can lose a primary funding pathway for improvements such as intersection upgrades and sidewalks.

Details from the update

- Project cuts and hearings: Joseph said the DOT draft proposes cutting 49 municipally advanced projects and excluding the new projects proposed this year, including sidewalk work on North Main Street. He said the next opportunity to influence the plan will be public hearings held by the governor's advisory commission on intermodal transit (GAC), with a hearing tentatively scheduled in Plymouth on Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Pease Public Library; DOT had not yet released a final hearing schedule.

- Specific projects: Joseph said the DOT draft would remove some projects entirely, noting the Smith Bridal Road intersection improvement was one example called out as proposed for removal. He also said that the rehabilitation of the bridge carrying U.S. 3 and N.H. 25 over the Baker River remains in the DOT draft: preliminary engineering to begin in 2029 and construction to begin in 2032 with an approximate DOT-assigned cost of $4.7 million.

- Bicyclist signage and local requests: The Lakes Region Planning Commission discussed whether to request signage or pavement striping on Route 3A to alert motorists to bicyclists; Joseph said that because Route 3A is a state road, any change would require DOT involvement but the town could encourage DOT to consider pavement markings or signage.

- Speed-limit local option: The New Hampshire Bike Walk Alliance is advocating to allow select boards to lower local speed limits to 20 mph in certain urban residential or business district streets; Joseph explained current law allows certain local reductions to 25 mph and that the proposed change would be a local-option law requiring a speed study under RSA if the town chooses to lower limits.

Board guidance and next steps

Planning members asked staff to confirm the hearing date and to circulate a save-the-date to the board once DOT releases the formal hearing schedule. Staff said they would continue engaging with regional partners and keep the board informed about opportunities for public comment.

Ending note: Staff urged residents to monitor the DOT schedule and attend the GAC hearing in Plymouth to advocate for projects the town wants to preserve in the 10-year plan.