Welcome to Spaulding Turnpike Newington-Dover Project Website

From 2003 to 2008, the project team, advisory task force (ATF), and interested Seacoast stakeholders have evaluated a range of reasonable alternatives to identify a preferred alternative to improve long-term mobility and safety along the Spaulding Turnpike between Exit 1 and the Dover toll plaza, just north of Exit 6. The 3.5-mile stretch of the Turnpike in this area is characterized by closely spaced interchanges, substandard geometry and shoulder areas, and capacity constrained conditions during the weekday morning and evening commuter periods. Currently, the Turnpike carries in excess of 70,000 vehicles per day. Future travel demand projections (approximately 94,000 vehicles per day are forecasted in 2025) indicate that if the Turnpike is not improved, weekday traffic congestion will spread to additional hours of the morning and evening, and safety conditions will continue to deteriorate.

Following the completion of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a successful Public Hearing and the Federal Highway Administration’s issuance of the Record of Decision in October, 2008, the Selected Alternative was approved to advance into final design to be developed into contract plans. Preliminary and Final design of the selected alternative was initiated on December 18, 2008.

Major Project Elements:

4 lanes in each direction (3 general purpose and 1 auxiliary lane) between Exit 3 (Woodbury Avenue) and Exit 6 (U.S. Route 4/Dover Point Road)

3 lanes in each direction south of Exit 3 and north of Exit 6

5 interchanges consolidated or reconfigured – Exit 2 and 5 are eliminated with Exits 3, 4 and 6 providing full access in all directions

Rehabilitation and widening of Little Bay Bridges to accommodate 4 lanes in each direction

Future planning for an elevated rail connection from the Newington Branch Line into Pease Tradeport

Rehabilitation of General Sullivan Bridge for pedestrian, bicycle, and recreational uses

Park and ride facilities at Exit 9 in Dover, Exit 13 in Rochester, and along U.S. 4 in Lee

Beneficial Effects of the Project: