About the Project
The Exit 4A project will construct a new interchange on I-93 in Londonderry, about a mile north of Exit 4. The new interchange will provide access to the east side of I-93 via a new connector road (to be known as Old Rum Trail) to its connection with Folsom Road in Derry. The work on I-93 is approximately 1 mile long.
This project involves constructing a new road, Old Rum Trail, between the interchange in Londonderry and Folsom Road in Derry. The project corridor continues easterly with upgrades to Folsom Road, Tsienneto Road, and NH Route 102 (Chester Road).
The project also includes multimodal improvements related to the Derry Rail Trail corridor connectivity, added sidewalks, and widened shoulders for bicycle use. This project also includes stormwater system improvements to protect local water resources.
This project is following the standard NHDOT project development process. During Preliminary Design the project design alternatives were developed and analyzed for impacts. At the conclusion of the analysis, a recommended design alternative was identified. Environmental documentation occurred in the form of an Environmental Study. Preliminary Design was complete when the recommended alternative was presented at the formal Public Hearing, there was a Finding of Necessity and the Environmental Study was approved.
Final Design includes further development of engineering plans. Right-of-way, in the form of easements and acquisitions, will be acquired as needed, and construction contract documents will be prepared. Final Design is complete when the project has received all permits and approvals, is advertised for construction bids, and is awarded to a contractor. The start of construction is based upon available funding, contractor schedule, and weather.
The Exit 4A project has been divided into several project segments, which are at various stages of the project development process described above. The 13065A and 13065D projects are in the construction phase (expected to begin summer 2022). The other project segments are in the Final Design phase, which is described in more detail below in the Project Elements section.
Projected construction completion: 2026 (see the full schedule here)
Purpose & Need
The purpose of the I-93 Exit 4A Project is twofold:
To reduce congestion and improve safety along NH Route 102 (Chester Road), from I-93 easterly through downtown Derry
To promote economic vitality in the Derry/Londonderry area
Project location map showing the 3.2-mile-long corridor between I-93 in Londonderry and NH Route 102 in Derry, divided into three major construction projects (13065A, 13065B, and 13065C), a Right-of-Way project (13065), and two building demolition projects (13065D and 13065E).
Project Elements
The I-93 Exit 4A project is a complex project that spans a 3.2-mile-long corridor, including approximately 1 mile on I-93. The corridor has been divided into three major construction projects (13065A, 13065B, and 13065C), a Right-of-Way project (13065), and two building demolition projects (13065D and 13065E), which will be designed and constructed following different schedules as described below.
To meet stormwater permitting requirements, stormwater treatment infrastructure will be added throughout the project corridor.
The project includes the following work:
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13065A: I-93 Exit 4A Old Rum Trail
A new Exit 4A interchange on I-93 in Londonderry, with easterly access only
On and off ramps from I-93 northbound and southbound
Soundwalls along both sides of I-93 in the interchange area
A new bridge at the Exit 4A interchange which will carry Old Rum Trail over I-93
A 0.7-mile-long new Old Rum Trail Road constructed to approximately the Derry/Londonderry town line (which will connect to Folsom Road as part of the 13065B project)
Status: This project was advertised in April 2022 and Construction is expected to begin Summer 2022. Completion is anticipated in Fall 2024
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13065B: Folsom Road
Completion of the Old Rum Trail tying 13065A Exit 4A Interchange to Folsom Road in Derry
A new bridge carrying Folsom Road over Shields Brook and Rail Trail
Widening and reconstructing 0.9 miles of Folsom Road between Franklin Street and Pinkerton Street
A connected traffic signal system that will enhance capacity and operations on Folsom Road
Status: This project is in final design and expected to advertise in late 2023, with construction starting in Spring 2024
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13065C: Tsienneto Road & NH Route 102 (Chester Road)
Widening and rehabilitation of 1.6 miles of Tsienneto Road between Pinkerton Street and NH Route 102 (Chester Road)
Widening and reconstructing NH Route 102 (Chester Road) near the Tsienneto Road intersection
A new bridge carrying Tsienneto Road over an unnamed stream (Tributary E)
Connected signalization at Tsienneto Road and NH Route 102, which will improve traffic operations
Status: This project is in final design and scheduled to advertise in 2025
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13065D: Building Demolitions
Demolition of structures on parcels owned by NHDOT within the project limits on Trolley Car Lane, Ferland Drive, and Folsom Road
Status: This project was advertised in January 2022 and demolitions are expected to be completed by the end of 2022
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13065E: Building Demolitions
• Demolition of structures on parcels owned by NHDOT within the project limits on Madden Road and Folsom Road
• Status: This project is in final design and is expected to be advertised in early 2023 for construction in 2023
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13065: Right-of-Way (ROW)
Acquisition of ROW, as needed, before construction begins
All full parcels have already been acquired by NHDOT
Owners of properties that will require a partial acquisition or easement have already been contacted. Please visit NHDOT’s website for more information
All ROW activities related to necessary partial acquisitions or easements will be coordinated separately and directly with affected property owners