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DOT estimate-review raises risk that Hackett Hill/Route 3A projects could be delayed or down-scoped
Summary
Town engineer told the council that a state estimate-review committee questioned whether both planned roundabouts and a Route 3 widening must proceed together; DOT funding pressure could push the projects into later years or require the town to prioritize locations.
Bruce Thomas, Hooksett's town engineer, briefed councilors on a recent state estimate-review meeting for the Hackett Hill and Route 3A projects. DOT staff questioned why the town had prioritized two roundabouts in the rural sections while the Route 3 widening project lacked roundabouts; committee members also noted constrained funding that could require the state to remove or delay one or more projects from the 10-year plan.
Bruce said the town followed the state project development process and that public support and local development patterns justified the planned scope. He warned that scaling back "will not satisfy the goals of the project, which is basically addressing daily congestion and safety," and suggested the council prepare methodical, data-driven guidance if asked to choose between elements. Councilors asked staff to prepare comparative pros/cons and possibly send a follow-up letter to DOT and state representatives restating the town's preference to keep both roundabouts in the plan.
Why it matters: The Hackett Hill/Route 3A projects are long-range, high-cost transportation improvements intended to address safety and congestion; changes in the state's ten-year capital plan could delay necessary capacity improvements for the corridor. Next steps: staff will coordinate fact-based materials and consider a follow-up letter to DOT and state delegation if reductions are proposed.
