Photo courtesy of Weaver Brothers Construction Company
Weaver Brothers Construction also is working on the bridge portion of the project.
After design was completed for three large construction and two building demolition projects in Londonderry, N.H., much of the construction of a new interchange for Exit 4A on I-93 is under way.
Weaver Brothers Construction Company of Bow, N.H., was the low bidder with a $45.5 million price tag and became the lead contractor on the project, which has a total project cost of $61.6 million with design and utility relocation costs included; 80 percent of the cost is covered by a federal grant with 20 percent coming from state turnpike toll revenue.
Spear Brothers Building Salvage and Wrecking of Laconia, N.H., was the low bidder on the demolition portion of the job, which was completed in 2023 and allows for construction of the interchange to advance more rapidly, according to NHDOT.
The project will construct a new interchange on I-93 in Londonderry, approximately 1 mi. north of Exit 4 that will provide access to the east side of I-93 via a new connector road that will be called Old Rum Trail. The work on I-93 is approximately 1-mi. long and proceeds into Derry.
According to NHDOT, the three construction projects include one that proceeds from exit 4A on I-93 and the connector road to the Derry/Londonderry town line; from the town line to just east of the intersection of Tsienneto Road and NH Route 28; and from just east of this intersection to the intersection of Tsienneto Road and NH Route 102. The only work that has been completed thus far is on the first project, which is 45 percent complete.
“We are half done with the sound abatement wall,” said Adam Bates, project manager of Weaver Brothers Construction. “The northbound ramp is completed with permanent pavement on it, which will be used for a temporary traffic detour.”
Weaver Brothers Construction also is working on the bridge portion of the project.
“A new bridge is being constructed over the highway,” Bates said. “The bridge is a 300-foot span over the highway that will connect with Old Rum Trail. All substructure for the bridge is done. The next step is to set the girders, which will be completed later this month.”
The construction equipment being used on the project includes two Caterpillar 349 excavators; four Caterpillar 745 rock trucks; two Caterpillar D6 dozers; two Caterpillar 336 excavators; and a John Deere 772 motorgrader.
NHDOT reported the benefits of the project will be to reduce congestion and improve safety along NH Route 102 and promote economic vitality in the Derry/Londonderry area.
The state’s legislators strongly support the project.
“Projects like this one are crucial for improving the transportation experience of travelers and supporting the local economy here in the Granite State,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.
“This project will promote increased economic growth in the vibrant Londonderry and Derry business communities and improve access to downtown Derry,” said Sen. Margaret Hassan. “I was proud to support this project as governor and look forward to the benefits it will create for the region,”
Work on the project began in September 2022 with an October 2024 completion date set. CEG
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