Transportation Commission Proposes NH Toll Increases

CONCORD, NH — Toll hikes on New Hampshire turnpikes could be coming, according to a new plan by the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT), which hopes to accelerate major capital projects like the widening of I-93 between Bow and Concord, the widening of the Everett Turnpike, and other projects. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation has set up a public hearing on Dec. 4, 2017, in Portsmouth, to discuss the proposal by the GACIT after members realized that new revenue would be needed to “speed up by several years” improvements on the system's highways. The proposed increase – 27 percent in total toll revenue – would be around $36 million more than commuters and users currently pay.

The org – which is led by Executive Council members and the NH DOT commissioner – also unveiled a new 10-year transportation improvement plan earlier this month.

If approved, tollbooths in Bedford, Hampton, and Hooksett would see a 35-cent increase. Tolls in Dover, Rochester, the Hampton side tolls and the Hooksett ramp tolls would all go up by 18 cents. Customers who use cash would pay 50 cents more per transaction in Bedford, Hampton, and Hooksett. Cash customers in Dover, Rochester, and Hampton side tolls would see a 25-cent increase. Tolls at Exit 10 and Exit 11 in Merrimack would see no increase with toll rates expected to be eliminated in April 2020.

The revenue, according to the NH DOT, would be used toward “improvements on the turnpike system that would address congestion and safety issues along the 89 miles of turnpikes.” Accelerated projects include the widening of I-93 from the Bow Junction/I-89 to I-393 in Concord as well as Exit 6 improvements, Exit 7 reconstruction, and Everett Turnpike widening in Manchester, and Everett Turnpike widening between Bedford and Nashua.

Frequent NH E-ZPass users would also receive up to 10 free trips/transactions per month while the turnpike system would be extended from Exit 14 in Concord to the I-93 across the Merrimack River, just before Exit 16. This designation change of roadway in Concord, the state said, would free up about $200 million in future federal funds to be used on other New Hampshire transportation projects. Another $36 million during the 10-year plan would be used for priority sound wall locations.

The state presumes that 54 percent – just shy of $20 million – in increased tolls would be paid by out-of-staters.

A GACIT public hearing on the proposed toll increase will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, at the Portsmouth Public Library (Levenson Room), 175 Parrott Avenue in Portsmouth, beginning at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend, written comments can also be addressed to William E. Watson, Bureau of Planning and Community Assistance, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, 7 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483, Bill.Watson@dot.nh.gov

For more information about the 10-year plan and the proposal for changes to the toll structure on the NH Turnpike System, visit nh.gov/dot/org/projectdevelopment/planning/typ/index.htm.

Open toll system in Hooksett. Image via NH DOT.