By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — The NH Route 12 and North Street improvements project has been going full boar this summer, and Project Manager Avery Hallbauer recently gave an update on the federally funded project that is slated for a Nov. 17, 2025 finish.
“That is the entire project,” he said. “Shifting intersection down at North and Main, and putting in a new culvert and everything.”
For a little bit of history, the revamping project involving 5,200 feet of roadway to be reconfigured was an earmark spanning about 20 years now, according to Hallbauer. The city got the first project agreement from N.H. Department of Transportation in 2011. There was a contract signed on March 28 of this year, and work essentially started immediately with the project going full force since April 9.
It started with tree clearing, drainage improvements and installing water lines. Then utility pole relocation took place on North Street later that month. On May 28, water main construction started up and most recently the Soldier Pile retaining wall has been the big-ticket item.
The project includes reconstructing, realigning and widening the roadway, according to information provided by the city. There will be profile improvements on North Street, and a stop-controlled intersection at North Street and NH 12. Major aspects of the project include utility adjustments, a water line, drainage improvements, culvert replacement, stormwater management measurers, and the retaining wall construction.
BUR Construction out of Newport subcontracted with HB Fleming to work on the retaining wall, Hallbauer explained. This will provide slope stabilization between the Department of Public Works.
“They’re working on the retaining wall right now, and BUR is working on the water main,” he said. “This is a non-participating portion of the DOT project. I currently know that the water main is installed from Elm to Grandview, and that we’re working on services to the houses to connect to the new main.”
The project will have one-way traffic alternating each lane every day, but per their contract they will not have any full road closures unless there is an absolute need.
Hallbauer said there have been no snags in the progress of the project and looks forward to its completion.
“Everything is working pretty good,” he said. “I think it is right on schedule.”
