Important Facts You Need to Know About New Hampshire's Roads and Bridges

Investments in highways, roads and bridges are essential in maintaining the safety and superior quality of life for residents who live, work and play in New Hampshire, and our economy is literally riding on the well-being of our surface transportation system. 

To view the most recent TRIP Report please go to our media section.

The 2006 New Hampshire "The Road Information Program" (TRIP) looks at the condition, use, safety and funding of New Hampshire’s roads and bridges, as well as the state’s ability to meet future mobility and traffic safety issues. The following are highlights from the 2006 New Hampshire TRIP report:

Federal Funding
If transportation funding remains at current levels, many important improvements and projects will be delayed, and conditions and service will worsen, hampering New Hampshire ’s economic development.  Learn more.

Highway Congestion
Vehicle travel in New Hampshire has increased 34 percent since 1990, and the state's population has increased by 17 percent during that time.  Nearly a quarter (24 percent) of New Hampshire's urban Interstates and other highways or freeways are considered congested, because they carry a level of traffic that is likely to result in delays during peak travel hours.  Congestion in New Hampshire is likely to worsen in the future, as vehicle travel in the state is expected to increase 40 percent by 2025.  Learn more.

Road & Bridge Conditions
In 2004, 47 percent of New Hampshire's roads were rated in poor or mediocre condition, compared to 34 percent nationally.  A desirable goal is to have 75 percent of major roads in good condition.  Only 36 percent of New Hampshire's state maintained roads are considered to be in good condition.  Learn more.

Approximately 14 percent of the state’s bridges over 20 feet long were structurally deficient in 2005, compared to the national average of 13 percent. Learn more.

Highway Safety
An average of 139 people were killed each year in motor vehicle accidents in New Hampshire from 1999 through 2004.  The fatality rate on New Hampshire's rural,  non-Interstate roads was 1.77 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel.  The fatality rate on all other roads in the state was 0.85 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel.  Learn more.

Impact on New Hampshire’s Economy
An estimated 89 percent of the $31 billion worth of commodities delivered annually to and from sites in New Hampshire are transported on the state's highways.  Learn more.

Cost to Motorists
The Federal Highway Administration has found that every dollar spent on street and highway improvements results in $5.40 in benefits, including improved traffic safety, reduced travel delays and reduced vehicle operating costs.