New Hampshire

[SectorZ]

Is NHDOT utilising part-time AET at all of its toll facilities during the night period (9pm-5 or 6am) currently? I've noticed the following since mid-February 2021:

- On my trips within the past two weeks coming from Boston back to Maine at like 9 PM, at the Hampton Toll Plaza, the only toll booth lane open was an "E-ZPass Only" lane... not a single cash lane in either direction. I don't know if this also applied to the toll plaza at the I-95/NH101 interchange.

- Though not the same thing, on my trips from Nashua and heading north via the Everett Turnpike, also around the 8-9 PM hour, usually, Exit 10 only has the coin basket (exact change) and "E-ZPass Only" lanes open during the night period... I'm not positive on this but at one instance I only saw the E-ZPass lanes open on that toll booth.

I'm not sure if this "part-time" AET is also in effect at the Bedford, Hooksett, Dover or Rochester Toll Plazas. Wonder if it's due to a staffing shortage (or no night workers/COVID policy) or a pilot project...

Got an update on this. You were definitely onto something here.

Per NHDOT Facebook page...

NHDOT is making a change to cash collection hours to match staffing to current traffic volumes.
Read more about these changes here: https://www.dot.nh.gov/news-and-media/nhdot-announces-changes-toll-collection-hours?fbclid=IwAR0kRtx4W0BPpV7zlTYqi65dDjl9Z8FclxPg1a1w-HmfmHObI6MKt890wkk

NHDOT Announces Changes to Toll Collection Hours
Hours Shift in Response to Traffic Volumes

The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) has been monitoring traffic volumes since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and announces the following change to our toll collection operations, which we expect to continue for the foreseeable future:

Beginning on Friday, April, 9th at 6:00 AM the Toll Plaza Cash Lanes will be staffed from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM only.

Between the hours of 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, customers will be able to pay the toll fare by cash in an attended cash lane, or by E-ZPass in a dedicated E-ZPass lane.

During the overnight hours of 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, Toll Plazas will operate as All Electronic Tolling (AET). There will be no cash collection during these hours. To avoid receiving an invoice, customers can use the "7-Day to Pay" option through the website www.ezpassnh.com/postpay-trip or contact Customer Service Center as listed below.

Customers with any questions regarding E-ZPass transactions or invoices may contact the E-ZPass Call Center at Toll Free Number: (877) 643-9727 Monday through Friday — 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday — 8:00 AM — 4:00 PM.

Invoices can also be paid in-person at the E-ZPass Walk-In Centers (WIC) located in Concord and Portsmouth. These locations are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Address information can be found at www.ezpassnh.com/page/service-center-locations.

Customers can also open up a New Hampshire E-ZPass account and received a 30% discount for passenger vehicles on each transaction. Sign up for an E-ZPass account online at www.ezpassnh.com, by calling (877) 643-9727 or at one of the NH E-ZPass Walk in Centers.

Signs will be hung on the toll booths to notify motorists of these changes. Additionally, we will be distributing postcards to our customers outlining our new hours. We understand that changes in any process can be frustrating, we ask you to be patient with our toll attendants, and to please drive with courtesy, that's the New Hampshire Way.

[SectorZ]

It looks like New Hampshire has some firm plans for the replacement of the Neil R Underwood Bridge between Seabrook and Hampton (NH 1A)

https://www.nh.gov/dot/projects/seabrookhampton15904/

It appears the preferred alternative is a fixed structure, which can be built next to the existing drawbridge negating the need for a temporary bridge or years long closure of 1A. This also is the cheapest and fastest solution per the presentation in the link.

[roadman]

And in the rare case of a gap in sequence, large warning signs are already used to state that there is "No Exit XX".

Those signs are only used in MA and RI - so once those states finish converting, they'll be used nowhere.  The Northway had "exit 3 to be built" signs at one time, but those were eventually removed.  And they're not uniform in MA, either (see: the Big Dig).

Actually, some of those "Next Exit XX" signs were reused as part of MA's exit renumbering scheme.

Route 3: 1, 2

This blank "Next Exit" sign on 195

All "NEXT EXIT XX" signs are slated to be eventually removed under MassDOT's conversion project.  Not sure why the ones you mention are still in plaCE.

[bob7374]

And in the rare case of a gap in sequence, large warning signs are already used to state that there is "No Exit XX".

Those signs are only used in MA and RI - so once those states finish converting, they'll be used nowhere.  The Northway had "exit 3 to be built" signs at one time, but those were eventually removed.  And they're not uniform in MA, either (see: the Big Dig).

Actually, some of those "Next Exit XX" signs were reused as part of MA's exit renumbering scheme.

Route 3: 1, 2

This blank "Next Exit" sign on 195

All "NEXT EXIT XX" signs are slated to be eventually removed under MassDOT's conversion project.  Not sure why the ones you mention are still in place.

I understand that there is no need to keep the 'No Exit ##' signs after exit number conversion, but wouldn't there still be a benefit to keeping 'Next Exit ##' signs where that exit number does exist going in the opposite direction, as is the case in the examples above?

[The Ghostbuster]

Maybe if New Hampshire does not wish to convert its exits from sequential-to-mileage-based (no thanks to Governor Sununu), they could install milepoint signs like Vermont did last year.

[deathtopumpkins]

Maybe if New Hampshire does not wish to convert its exits from sequential-to-mileage-based (no thanks to Governor Sununu), they could install milepoint signs like Vermont did last year.

Please don't give them any ideas.

[The Ghostbuster]

Maybe you're right. On the other hand, New Hampshire should get with the program and ditch their sequential exit numbers for mileage-based ones. No more excuses.

[froggie]

It's worth noting that FHWA signed off on Vermont's Milepost Exit sign plan.  It isn't perfect, but perhaps it's a way for both sides (pro-milepost and pro-sequential) to get something out of it.

[vdeane]

It's worth noting that FHWA signed off on Vermont's Milepost Exit sign plan.  It isn't perfect, but perhaps it's a way for both sides (pro-milepost and pro-sequential) to get something out of it.

I wish they hadn't.  VT needs to do a proper conversion.  I think I remember reading that such is supposed to happen in 2030, but I'm skeptical it actually will.

I wonder if this would be a good compromise for road like the Thruway or NJ Turnpike, though.  Have the regular number and a plaque on the bottom with "Thruway exit X"?

[SectorZ]

It's worth noting that FHWA signed off on Vermont's Milepost Exit sign plan.  It isn't perfect, but perhaps it's a way for both sides (pro-milepost and pro-sequential) to get something out of it.

I wish they hadn't.  VT needs to do a proper conversion.  I think I remember reading that such is supposed to happen in 2030, but I'm skeptical it actually will.

I wonder if this would be a good compromise for road like the Thruway or NJ Turnpike, though.  Have the regular number and a plaque on the bottom with "Thruway exit X"?

If they're going to do it when they replace the signs the next time around, I'm OK with it. I just think they'll find a new excuse to not do it once that time comes.

[fwydriver405]

I posted this in the OLD and NEW thread earlier today, thought it was interesting to share how Exit 1 on I-93 northbound has evolved from the early (or mid) 2000's to now during the widening. Which sign assembly is your favourite?

Exit 1 at the gore (first two photos, pre-2005 and 2009 are from NHDOT, third (2013) from Robert H. Malme, and fourth (2020) from me)

[Alps]

I posted this in the OLD and NEW thread earlier today, thought it was interesting to share how Exit 1 on I-93 northbound has evolved from the early (or mid) 2000's to now during the widening. Which sign assembly is your favourite?

Exit 1 at the gore (first two photos, pre-2005 and 2009 are from NHDOT, third (2013) from Robert H. Malme, and fourth (2020) from me)

anyone who doesn't answer #1 is banned

[Roadgeekteen]

Maybe if New Hampshire does not wish to convert its exits from sequential-to-mileage-based (no thanks to Governor Sununu), they could install milepoint signs like Vermont did last year.

The reason he doesn't is that he was an exit 3 kid in Salem, whatever that means.

[yakra]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

[Roadgeekteen]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

I took no pride in being an exit 19 kid.

[DRMan]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

I took no pride in being an exit 19 kid.

I'm not sure anyone in NH besides Sununu takes pride in being an Exit anything kid.

[jp the roadgeek]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

I took no pride in being an exit 19 kid.

I'm not sure anyone in NH besides Sununu takes pride in being an Exit anything kid.

It's also a Vermont thing.  One of my distant relatives had a license plate with his exit number (EXIT X) because he owned a gas station that was off that exit and used the exit number as the name of the business. 

[SectorZ]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

I took no pride in being an exit 19 kid.

I'm not sure anyone in NH besides Sununu takes pride in being an Exit anything kid.

I've known plenty of people that grew up in NH and none cared about the exit number they grew up off of. It sounds more like pushing fake nostalgia to maintain the status quo.

[Alps]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

I took no pride in being an exit 19 kid.

I'm not sure anyone in NH besides Sununu takes pride in being an Exit anything kid.

I've known plenty of people that grew up in NH and none cared about the exit number they grew up off of. It sounds more like pushing fake nostalgia to maintain the status quo.

I generally only hear "EXIT X" in the context of NJ Tpk. and Garden State Pkwy. I haven't seen that same attachment elsewhere, maybe a couple of exits on MassPike or NY Thruway but not the whole road.

[Rothman]

* yakra scratches his head

What was my old exit number again?
Here east of the border, the world has not ended.

I took no pride in being an exit 19 kid.

I'm not sure anyone in NH besides Sununu takes pride in being an Exit anything kid.

I've known plenty of people that grew up in NH and none cared about the exit number they grew up off of. It sounds more like pushing fake nostalgia to maintain the status quo.

I generally only hear "EXIT X" in the context of NJ Tpk. and Garden State Pkwy. I haven't seen that same attachment elsewhere, maybe a couple of exits on MassPike or NY Thruway but not the whole road.

The Northway gets that treatment as well.  Lots of locals in the Capital District refer to the exits.

[PHLBOS]

I generally only hear "EXIT X" in the context of NJ Tpk. and Garden State Pkwy. I haven't seen that same attachment elsewhere, maybe a couple of exits on MassPike or NY Thruway but not the whole road.

Not sure about today but back when the CT Turnpike still had tolls; What Exit are you from? was a common phrase for that region as well.

[shadyjay]

The last Alan Shephard sign I recall seeing was on the ramp from 102 west to I-93 south in Londonderry.  It had been removed by the time I last used that ramp about two months ago.

Looks like we can expect to see more Alan Shepard Highway signs...

https://twitter.com/SenatorShaheen/status/1436423137927868416/photo/1

(no account required to view)

[deathtopumpkins]

One went up on the southbound onramp at Exit 3 a few weeks ago. I was very surprised to see it until Friday's rededication.

[kramie13]

I posted this in the OLD and NEW thread earlier today, thought it was interesting to share how Exit 1 on I-93 northbound has evolved from the early (or mid) 2000's to now during the widening. Which sign assembly is your favourite?

Exit 1 at the gore (first two photos, pre-2005 and 2009 are from NHDOT, third (2013) from Robert H. Malme, and fourth (2020) from me)

anyone who doesn't answer #1 is banned

Was a new overpass built between 2009 and 2013?  And what was its purpose?

[hotdogPi]

I posted this in the OLD and NEW thread earlier today, thought it was interesting to share how Exit 1 on I-93 northbound has evolved from the early (or mid) 2000's to now during the widening. Which sign assembly is your favourite?

Exit 1 at the gore (first two photos, pre-2005 and 2009 are from NHDOT, third (2013) from Robert H. Malme, and fourth (2020) from me)

anyone who doesn't answer #1 is banned

Was a new overpass built between 2009 and 2013?  And what was its purpose?

It's part of the entrance/exit ramp. This exit leads to a very high-use mall, since there's no sales tax on the New Hampshire side of the border.