Project Overview
The Governor and the Executive Council at their September 25, 2024 meeting authorized the NH Department of Transportation (NHDOT) to enter into a contract with Northeast Earth Mechanics, LLC of Pittsfield, NH for the construction of sound abatement walls and privacy fencing along I-95 in Portsmouth. The contract amount is $18,771,486.75. Work began the week of October 28, 2024.
The project is to construct two new sound abatement walls on the southbound side of I-95 and a privacy fence along northbound I-95 adjacent to the New Franklin School. The southern sound wall starts near the Exit 3 southbound offramp, is interrupted by the Sherburne Road bridge, and then continues to where the Exit 4 southbound offramp for Spaulding Turnpike meets I-95 southbound. The northern sound wall starts just north of Spaulding Turnpike underpass and runs north, interrupted by the Woodbury Avenue bridge and then continues to the Exit 7 southbound onramp. The privacy fence is located on I-95 northbound, starts 275 feet north of Woodbury Avenue and continues north to the end of the New Franklin school property.
Area of Impact
Project Updates
Early Morning Lane Closure in Portsmouth - 04/14/2026 Apr 14, 2026
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) will conduct early morning work on I-95 Northbound (NB) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, between the hours of 2:00 AM and 7:00 AM from Mile Marker (MM) 14.8 to MM 15.2
Weather dependent, work will involve closing the right lane and shoulder of I-95 NB from MM 14.8 to MM 15.2 to assist in the demobilization of construction equipment.
Message boards, uniformed officers, traffic control devices, and smart work zone devices will be used to notify the travelling public. Road users are encouraged to sign up for free, real-time construction and traffic related messages (text or email) from https://newengland511.org/.
This work is part of the construction of two sound abatement walls and privacy fence along I-95 in Portsmouth. Northeast Earth Mechanics, Inc. of Pittsfield, New Hampshire is the general contractor for the $18.7 million project, which is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026.
https://www.dot.nh.gov/news-and-media/early-morning-lane-closure-portsmouth
Daytime Lane Closure in Portsmouth - 02/19/2026 Feb 19, 2026
Traffic will be impacted on I-95 Southbound
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) will conduct daytime work on I-95 Southbound from mile maker 15.0 to mile marker 14.6.
Weather permitting, work is scheduled between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Thursday February 19, 2026. This work will involve the demobilization of construction equipment and will require the closure of the right lane of Southbound I-95 from MM 15.0 to MM 14.6.
Message boards, uniformed officers, traffic control devices, and smart work zone devices will be used to notify the travelling public. Motorists are encouraged to sign up for free, real-time construction and traffic related messages (text or email) from https://newengland511.org/.
This work is part of the construction of two sound abatement walls and privacy fence along I-95 in Portsmouth. Northeast Earth Mechanics, Inc. of Pittsfield, New Hampshire is the general contractor for the $18.7 million project, which is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026.
NHDOT to Start Soundwall Construction in Portsmouth Mar 21, 2025
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) will begin daytime work for the Portsmouth Soundwall project on I-95 Southbound starting at the Exit 4 on ramp (MM 13.6) to the Exit 3A off ramp (MM 13.2). This work will begin Wednesday, March 26, 2025, with tree clearing along the Southbound wooded area. Trees will be removed in preparation for soundwall construction. Following the completion of clearing operations an embankment will be constructed, then drilling operations will commence for soundwall foundations.
This work is scheduled to be done between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. Construction will be performed behind the permanent shoulder closure within the right-of-way along I-95.
This work is part of the construction of two sound abatement walls and privacy fence along I-95 in Portsmouth. Northeast Earth Mechanics, Inc. of Pittsfield, New Hampshire is the general contractor for the $18.7 million project, which is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025.
Project Documents
This section includes materials related to highway traffic noise analysis and coordination with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), including meeting materials, project listings, and technical documentation used to support noise assessment and project review.
General
- Portsmouth Type I & II Noise - Meeting Materials Nov 15, 2022
- NH DOT Project List Mar 17, 2022
- Scope of Work Checklist 10/01/2021 Oct 1, 2021
- Noise Barrier Programs Pamphlet - NH DOT Nov 30, 0216
Project Video
NHDOT Presentation to PTS
Project FAQ
What is the I-95 sound barrier project in Portsmouth?
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is constructing sound barriers along Interstate 95 in Portsmouth to help reduce highway noise affecting nearby residential areas. The project includes installation of sound walls and a privacy fence along portions of the I-95 corridor.
Source: https://www.dot.nh.gov/news-and-media/nhdot-start-soundwall-construction-portsmouth
Who is responsible for the sound barrier project?
The sound barrier project is being managed by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT). The City of Portsmouth provides information to residents about the project, but the work itself is a state transportation project.
Where are the sound barriers being installed?
Sound barriers are designed to reduce highway traffic noise reaching nearby homes and community areas. These walls help block and deflect sound generated by vehicles traveling on the interstate.
What is the purpose of the sound barriers?
Sound barriers are designed to reduce highway traffic noise reaching nearby homes and community areas. These walls help block and deflect sound generated by vehicles traveling on the interstate.
When did construction begin?
According to the NHDOT announcement, construction work began in 2025 with early site preparation activities.
Are there NH DOT press releases about this project?
Yes. NH DOT press releases can be found on the official News & Media page:
https://www.dot.nh.gov/news-and-media
A helpful tip is to use the filter (search by keyword) and enter “Sound.” This will display a list of related Portsmouth-area press releases.