Merrimack Requests More Sound Barriers For Turnpike Project

MERRIMACK, NH — The Merrimack Town Council has requested more sound barriers for the upcoming Everett Turnpike widening project, expected to begin in the next two years. Although New Hampshire Department of Transportation is planning several sound barriers for residents in certain areas, the council last week approved a letter requesting additional sound barriers. The letter comes after concern by several residents stating they will be negatively impacted by the project.

The letter, approved on May 23, asks that additional sound barriers be placed between construction zones and East Ridge Condominiums, Back River Road, Ministerial Drive, Vista Way, Roundtree Drive, Maple Ridge Condominiums, and along buildings located on the east side of the turnpike, north of Exit 12.

"There are a lot of homes and folks there that when you widen that up, the highway's going to be right in their back yard," said Town Councilor Peter Albert, speaking specifically about homes on the east side north of Exit 12. "We feel it's going to negatively impact them, not only in their quality of life, but also in the value of their property."

The turnpike widening project is expected to being in the year 2021-2022, said Albert. About seven sound barriers are already planned as part of the project, ranging from 400 to 1,000 feet long and being about 6 feet high. The areas that are not planned for sound barriers are the ones mentioned in the Town Council's letter.

"The Town of Merrimack will both benefit and be negatively impacted by the proposed widening (particularly as the construction takes place). During construction, we anticipate significant traffic impacts and delays along Daniel Webster Highway (US Route 3) as travelers avoid the construction areas along the FE Everett," states the letter. "The widening of the Turnpike will, of course, bring the roadway and traffic closer to private properties along both the east and west side, changing significantly the character and environment (both natural and man-made) of those properties and neighborhoods."

The letter was approved to be sent individually to the Merrimack legislative delegation, Gov. Chris Sununu, Speaker of the House Stephen Shurtleff and Senate President Donna Soucy. Albert last week also encouraged residents to reach out to legislators to encourage state funding for the additional barriers.