A major roadway redesign years in the making moved another step forward this week, as the Hudson Board of Selectmen approved additional funding tied to state permitting requirements for the Lowell Road and County Road improvement project. The vote came after a detailed update from Development Services Director Elvis Dhima, who outlined both the history of the project and the challenges still ahead as the Town works through the state’s environmental review process.
The effort began in 2019, when the Planning Board launched a comprehensive assessment to address longstanding traffic congestion and safety concerns along the busy corridor. Dhima said the resulting study examined multiple improvement scenarios before identifying a preferred long term solution: constructing a new roadway segment connecting Belknap Road to Lowell Road and converting the existing three-way intersection into a four-way intersection. The redesign is intended to ease traffic flow, reduce crash risks, and improve access for residents and businesses.
To advance the project, the Town must secure a Dredge and Fill permit from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) for a proposed brook crossing. Dhima explained that NHDES recently requested additional information, including updated hydraulic analysis, flood condition data, mitigation alternatives, and supporting technical documentation. The agency’s review will determine whether the Town’s current submission is sufficient or whether additional engineering work is required.
“Town staff is currently working to address the latest round of NHDES comments internally in an effort to avoid or minimize the need for the additional change order,” Dhima said. However, if NHDES determines that consultant support is necessary, the Town would need to execute Amendment No. 5, a change order not to exceed $80,500.
The Board unanimously approved the amendment, bringing the total contract amount to $414,900. Funding, if needed, will come from Corridor Funds (2070000701: Zone 1 Traffic Improvements and 2070000702: Zone 2 Traffic Improvements), a source previously recommended by both the Planning Board and Development Services. Selectmen noted that approving the amendment now ensures the Town can respond quickly if NHDES requires additional work, preventing delays in the permitting timeline.
The Lowell Road project remains one of Hudson’s most significant infrastructure efforts, and officials emphasized that while the permitting process is complex, each step brings the Town closer to long term improvements residents have been requesting for years.
In other business, the Board considered a donation request from the Hudson Fire Department. Fire Chief Scott Tice informed the Board that former Hudson Firefighter/AEMT Joshua Frumkin offered to donate his 2011 Honda Civic for use in auto extrication training. Although the vehicle is non-operational, Tice said it would be valuable for hands-on practice during rescue drills.
Based on online appraisals, Tice estimated the vehicle’s value at less than $500, assuming it were running with significant issues. Once accepted, the vehicle will be moved to the department’s Burns Hill Road facility, where it will be incorporated into training exercises.
