Politics & Government

Selectmen Receive Depot Intersection Update

Designs for fixes to the troublesome intersection should see completion by November.

Selectmen received an update on design and conceptual work for the Salem Depot intersection on Jan. 28, which is at 30 percent completion according to Community Development Director Bill Scott.

Scott said that the project schedule is based on New Hampshire Department of Transportation requirements to fulfill certain steps in a sequence.

In March 2012, Selectmen approved the withdrawal of up to $195,000 from a special depot trust fund for the design plans at the troublesome, often-congested intersection of Routes 28 and 97.

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The state will reimburse the town $156,000 of that money.

Scott added that final design plans are expected in November, with the implementation phase being completely separate and thus funded beyond the $195,000.

Find out what's happening in Salemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

During the March meeting, Scott said that the state would provide 80 percent reimbursement for the project construction, which he said will likely cost over $2.5 million.

As part of his update, Scott asked the board whether the Depot Intersection Redevelopment Committee could be re-commissioned.

The board nixed the request and asked that Salem Depot updates take place at Selectmen meetings.

Selectman Everett McBride Jr. said that bringing back the committee would open up another "create animosity" between people who already decided what to do with the Salem Depot intersection.

Scott noted to the board that updates will be regular, and they will be coming toe Selectmen at least once a month.

While Selectman Stephen Campbell agreed that staying in constant contact with abutters is important, he agreed that a formal committee is not needed again.

Scott said that the first informational meeting will take in March at the latest.


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