Project Overview
The City of Portsmouth has received approval from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) on its $1.2 million Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) project plan for the Route 1 Bypass/Coakley Road/Cottage Street-Borthwick Avenue intersection with the Route 1 Bypass. The City held a public information meeting to discuss the project in detail and to invite public input on the plans on October 22, 2024.
The project is included in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan and is federally funded for 80 percent of the cost. The design, intended to improve traffic flow on the Route 1 Bypass, calls for removing the traffic signal at the intersection of the Route 1 Bypass, Coakley Road and Cottage Street and extending the median on the Route 1 Bypass to prohibit left turns. To provide left-turn access to and from the Bypass for users of Coakley Road, the City will construct a connector road from Coakley Road to Borthwick Avenue. The Coakley Road culvert will be replaced once the connector road is built.
The goal of the project is to reduce traffic congestion and associated exhaust pollution while improving traffic flow in this area. The City will has already completed construction of a multi-use path along Borthwick Avenue as part of the project. The next steps in the process are to sign a municipal agreement with NHDOT, conduct a property survey and secure the necessary right-of-way for the connector road.
This traffic study conducted for the West End Yards Project in 2019 includes an analysis of the traffic impacts if the signal at Coakley and Cottage were to be removed. A new full traffic study will be conducted for the signal removal project once a consultant is brought on board.
Prior to construction on this project, the City will replace the Cate Street Bridge.
Project Map
Project Updates
Public Meeting 10/22/2024
A public meeting to discuss this project was held on October 22, 2024 at the Senior Activity Center. The video recording and meeting presentation provide more details.
Project Documents
The documents below include engineering studies, concept plans, and supporting materials related to the Route 1 Bypass Coakley Intersection Project. These documents provide additional detail on the proposed intersection improvements and project development.
General
- Traffic Impact and Site Access Study - April 2019 Apr 1, 2019
- Public Informational Meeting Presentation - 10/22/2024 Oct 22, 2024
Project FAQ
What is the Route 1 Bypass – Coakley Intersection Project?
The project is a planned redesign of the intersection of the Route 1 Bypass, Coakley Road, and Cottage Street (near Borthwick Avenue) to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion along the Route 1 Bypass.
What changes are proposed at the intersection?
The design calls for removing the existing traffic signal at the intersection and extending the median on the Route 1 Bypass to prohibit left turns at Coakley Road and Cottage Street.
How will drivers access the Route 1 Bypass without left turns?
To maintain access, the City plans to construct a new connector road between Coakley Road and Borthwick Avenue, allowing drivers to reach a signalized intersection for turning movements.
Why is the project being done?
The project is intended to reduce traffic congestion and associated exhaust pollution while improving overall traffic flow in this area of the Route 1 Bypass.
What is the current status of the project?
The project has received approval from the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and is part of a federally funded Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program. Next steps include completing agreements with NHDOT, conducting surveys, and securing right-of-way for the connector road.