Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Route 101 Reconstruction topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DOT outlines $21.6 million Route 101 rebuild with bridge replacement and roundabout
Summary
State and city officials described a Route 101 reconstruction project that would replace the Branch River bridge, realign Swansea Factory Road to a new single‑lane roundabout, add shoulders and stormwater treatment, and target construction in 2029–2031 with federal and state funding.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation presented detailed plans Monday for the reconstruction of Route 101 through Keene, a roughly one‑mile project that includes full replacement of the Branch River bridge, widened shoulders, stormwater treatment, and a realignment of Swansea Factory Road tied to a new single‑lane roundabout.
DOT project manager Dave Smith told the Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee the project begins just east of Optical Avenue and proceeds about a mile past Branch Road. "We will be taking out that concrete slab, improving drainage, and addressing structural needs at the Branch River bridge," he said. The bridge is on the state's red list, CHA consultant Ellen Moer added, and inspectors found alkali‑silica reaction in the concrete that led the team to recommend full replacement rather than rehabilitation.
City and DOT officials said alternative 2C — which relocates the Swansea Factory Road intersection to the east and ties the new alignment to a roundabout — was selected because it minimizes property impacts and follows an existing rail spur alignment. Moer said the roundabout was preferred by the public over a signal at that location. The plan also calls for formal 5‑foot shoulders on both sides of the road and improvements at the Branch Road intersection including an eastbound left‑turn lane.
Environmental work completed to date includes an architectural and archaeological survey, and a bat survey that detected northern long‑eared and tricolored bats. The project team said tree‑clearing windows and invasive‑species controls will be part of construction to limit impacts. The Stone Arch Bridge was identified in the study area; the team said project work would not have an adverse impact on that structure but the Branch River bridge removal will affect a structure eligible for the National Register.
Funding and schedule: the DOT presentation estimated construction costs of about $21.6 million (escalated dollars, consistent with the DOT 10‑year plan). Officials said the roadway and bridge construction is about 80% federally funded and 20% by the state; water‑line work would be a city cost. The DOT indicated the target construction window is spring 2029 with work in the 2029–2031 seasons and a likely completion in fall 2031.
Public process and next steps: DOT will hold a public hearing the following evening; a 10‑day comment period closes on June 8. The department will prepare a report of the commissioner responding to testimony. If the appointed commission finds the project necessary, final design and permitting will proceed; otherwise the DOT will revisit scope and outreach.
The committee was asked to encourage public attendance at the hearing and to note that the project will require right‑of‑way work affecting about 34 properties along the corridor. The DOT team said they will continue coordination with city staff on water‑line design and on minimizing property impacts.
If approved by the commission, officials said, right‑of‑way acquisition, final design and environmental permitting will follow before construction procurement and mobilization.
