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Bedford council designates Old New Boston Road an emergency lane for 2024–25 plowing season
Summary
After a public hearing and resident testimony, the council voted to keep Old New Boston Road designated as an emergency lane for this winter’s plowing season and to revisit options in spring, including survey work to determine cost and ownership.
The Bedford Town Council voted on Nov. 13 to designate Old New Boston Road as an emergency lane for the 2024–25 plowing season, after hearing from a resident who said the road is essential for medical and emergency access.
Resident Dean Fino, who said he lives on Old New Boston Road, told the council he has an epileptic son and receives three weekly visits from home nurses. “If they can’t get to my house, that’s an issue for us,” Fino said during the public hearing. Town Manager Rick Sawyer said the council had previously discussed the matter on Oct. 9 and that state law (RSA 231:59‑a) requires a public hearing and findings before formally designating a road as an emergency lane.
Council members debated next steps and costs. Staff reported a preliminary estimate of about $20,000 for survey and engineering work to determine property ownership and what it would cost to upgrade the roadway to a class 5 town road. Several councilors argued that the town should continue plowing the lane through the winter and delay any expensive surveys until spring; others said the council should know the likely cost so future councils can make an informed decision.
An initial motion that included language directing staff to investigate either making the road a class 5 town road or discontinuing it was amended and ultimately withdrawn after councilors said it created ambiguity for future decisions. Councilor Sowell then moved to designate Old New Boston Road as an emergency lane under RSA 231:59 for the 2024–25 plowing season and to revisit the issue in the spring; Councilor Strand seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote.
The council’s action keeps the lane passable by emergency vehicles for this winter, and staff were directed to report back with more detailed cost and ownership information at a later meeting so the council can consider full options—including classification, discontinuance, or continued emergency‑lane status—before any permanent change.
