Project Overview
Lack of adequate drainage, narrow road cross section and right of way width have long been significant challenges to reconstruction of this busy roadway. The City has obtained a State/Federal grant to help fund improvements that will link the Middle Road/Portsmouth Plains area to the Route 1 corridor. The State funding for the project comes from the Federal Congestion Management and Air Quality program. The funding requires that the project be separated into distinct phases of Engineering/Conceptual Design, Preliminary Design, Final Design, and Construction. State and Federal review and approval of each phase of the project is required before the City can receive additional funding to proceed on to the next phase of the project.
Area of Impact
Project Updates
Update 7/10/2026 Jul 10, 2026
The Peverly Hill Road project continues to make steady progress through the Final Design and Right-of-Way acquisition phases. Negotiations to acquire the 20 easements needed for the project, along with a redesign of the stormwater treatment facility location and the associated permitting, have extended the project timeframe by a few months.
While originally looking to bid the project by September, we now are looking to have the project ready to bid by December, with construction to begin in 2027. Construction is expected to take place over two construction seasons, finishing in 2028.
We have been working closely with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to address all design, right-of-way, and permitting issues to ensure the project continues to move forward expeditiously.
Update Jan 22, 2026
The City is proceeding with the Final Design and Right of Way Phase to obtain the necessary land for construction of the project. The PS&E package will be submitted to the DOT for review and approval in 2026. Following NHDOT review of next steps, construction could possibly begin as soon as 2026, but likely in 2027.
The City’s Peverly Hill Road Complete Streets project continues to make steady progress through the federally funded and state managed LPA process. The following highlights the major milestones:
- In November 2022 the project received its NEPA approval
- In December 2023 the project received approval from NH DOT on the Revised Preliminary Design Plans
- Due to the large increase in the construction cost estimate, additional funds were authorized by NH DOT in June 2024.
Next steps:
- The Final Design/Plans, Specifications and Estimate (PS&E) package for the project is currently underway. This is when the City is allowed to begin the Right of Way acquisition process to obtain the necessary land for construction of the project. The PS&E package is then submitted to the DOT for review and approval.
- After review and approval of the PS&E package, the DOT will allow the City to prepare and submit the bid package for review and approval.
- After review and approval of the bid package, the DOT will allow the City to begin advertising for bids on the project.
- Construction could possibly begin as soon as 2026, or spring 2027.
Additional Information:
- Public Use & Necessity Hearing, October 14, 2021 (Legal Notice)
- Peverly Hill Road Project Public Necessity Hearing Presentation, October 14, 2021
- Resolution for Public Necessity Hearing with Addendum A, October 14, 2021
- Peverly Hill Road Project preliminary plans, September 2021
- Peverly Hill Road Project design details, September 2021
- Peverly Hill Road impact detail, September 2021
- CITY COUNCIL MEETING MON JUL 12, 2021.
- NEIGHBORHOOD INPUT MEETING MON JUN 28, 2021.
- PEVERLY HILL ROAD PROJECT REPORT BACK TO CITY COUNCIL, Mon Apr 19.
Project Documents
This section includes project-related materials for the Peverly Hill Road project, including engineering studies, design plans, public meeting presentations, project updates, and hearing materials. Together, these documents reflect project planning, design development, public engagement, and coordination activities from 2016 through 2021.
Plans, Drawings, Maps & Surveys
- Revised Preliminary Design Plans - 03/01/2023 Mar 1, 2023
- Plans Jul 20, 2018
- Public Meeting Presentation Jun 2, 2016
- Plans - Preferred Alternative Cross-section
Meeting Material (Agendas, Minutes and Presentations)
- Public Use & Necessity Hearing, October 14, 2021 Oct 14, 2021
- Peverly Hill Road Project Public Necessity Hearing Presentation Oct 14, 2021
- Public Meeting Project Update (02/17/21) Feb 17, 2021
- Public Meeting and Prliminary Design Presentation Mar 27, 2019
- Peverly Hill Road Project Report Back to City Council (April 19, 2021) Apr 19, 2021
Documents, Reports & Studies
- 2016 Engineering Study Sep 1, 2016
- NH DOT Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality 2009 -2010 Jan 1, 2009
Project Video
Peverly Hill Road Project Report Back to City Council (April 19, 2021)
02.17.2021 Peverly Hill Rd Project Status Update
03.27.2019 Public Meeting to review design of Peverly Hill Road improvements
Project FAQ
What is the Peverly Hill Road Complete Streets Project?
The Peverly Hill Road Complete Streets Project is a roadway improvement project that will reconstruct portions of Peverly Hill Road while adding infrastructure designed to safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
Why is this project being planned?
The project is intended to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity along the corridor in accordance with the City’s Complete Streets policy.
What improvements are proposed?
Proposed improvements include roadway reconstruction, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, drainage improvements, and updated roadway markings and signage.
What stage is the project currently in?
The project is progressing through design and review phases prior to construction.
How will the project benefit the community?
The improvements are intended to create a safer and more accessible transportation corridor for people walking, biking, and driving.