If you commute to Nashua or Massachusetts, you might want to start preparing yourself for some construction delays.

The Executive Council unanimously approved on Wednesday a contract to start the multi-year project of widening the F.E. Everett Turnpike between Bedford and Nashua. The $20 million project will widen 1.7 miles of the heavily trafficked road, beginning just north of the interchange for I-293 and Route 101 in Bedford, extending south almost to the Bedford toll plaza.

This portion of work is scheduled to be finished by the summer of 2024.

Later steps in the Everett Turnpike project include widening much of a 12-mile stretch of road and replacing bridges at several locations through Merrimack including where the road crosses Pennichuck Brook and enters Nashua.

The stretch of the Everett Turnpike is notorious for backups during rush hour because it narrows from as many as six lanes to two lanes in each direction, a legacy of its original design.

The turnpike opened in 1955. It is named after the first New Hampshire highway commissioner, Frederick E. Everett.

Coleman & Son of Conway won the bid for the project. It will be covered by turnpike toll funds.

Monitor staff

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