Developer plan for Dow Road–Route 3A intersection wins select board authorization to seek DOT approval

The Bow Select Board on Aug. 12 authorized the town manager to sign a letter of authorization so the town may submit a New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) application for proposed off‑site improvements at the Dow Road and Route 3A intersection. The vote authorizes the town to be the formal applicant to DOT for the improvements, which include a southbound right‑turn bypass lane and sight‑distance clearing.

Attorney Ari Pollack, representing the applicant team, said the planning board had approved the development’s site plan conditioned on off‑site intersection work. He described a “dance” with NHDOT that led to a hybrid plan combining a deceleration area and a bypass lane to address DOT’s sight‑distance and turning‑movement concerns.

Pollack said the design will require small temporary easements from two abutters — one roughly 400 square feet for an access easement and another around 2,000 square feet — and that the developer will pursue formal easements before any construction. Abutter Jennifer Johnson, who lives at 3 Dow Road, told the board the improved sight lines and the proposed bypass lane should make it easier and safer for her to exit her driveway and for left turns onto northbound Route 3A.

Town staff and the planning board’s peer reviewer were consulted during the design process; the planning and public‑works staff and DOT have seen the concept. Select Board members made clear the authorization to sign the DOT submission does not commit town or TIF funds for construction; it allows DOT to begin formal review so the developer can move toward final permitting.

Outcome: board authorized the town manager to sign a letter of authorization for DOT permitting; vote unanimous.