The latest phase on the widening of crash-prone Route 106 in Loudon and Canterbury will start Monday, April 5.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation says it will be widening and upgrading two sections of the state route, from Soucook Lane in Loudon to about 2000 feet north of Canterbury town line. “Temporary lane shifts and lane closures will be required for construction activities,” the department said in an announcement. “Motorists are advised to use extreme caution when traveling through the work zone.”
In addition to widening, the project includes drainage and guardrail improvements, and construction of two storm water treatment ponds and placing final pavement on the entire length of roadway, including the stretch done last year.
The mostly two-lane Route 106 has long been a problem for transportation officials as more traffic has used it and the number of accidents related to “lane departures” have increased. It drew renewed attention last Sept. 29 when a Corvette was driven off the road and hit a guardrail, killing an occupant.
The state may be installing rumble strips along shoulders or the centerline in parts of the road, to alert drivers when they are leaving a lane.