Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission

US Route 4 Corridor Management Study


Public transit opportunities are being analyzed for the Rt. 4 Corridor

In June 2005 UVLSRPC began work on a corridor study for US Route 4 from Interstate 89 Exit 17 in Lebanon out through Enfield and Canaan. This work is a project of the Statewide Planning & Research Special Studies and is being funded by the Federal Highway Administration, NH Department of Transportation and UVLSRPC.

The purpose of the project is to bring local, regional and state officials together to examine existing and future conditions along the highway, and identify ways to maximize capacity, address safety issues and explore opportunities for economic development. This includes an assessment of highway infrastructure, intersection safety, access management, storm water drainage, bicycle and pedestrian access, transit services, land use patterns and limitations, and important resources. The primary goal will be to maximize the potential of the corridor to serve economic development in Enfield and Canaan without impeding the flow of commuter traffic on this major artery to the Lebanon-Hanover job center.

The product will be recommendations for both short and long term steps to prevent or reduce future traffic problems as growth occurs in the area.

Many Opportunities for Everyone to Participate


Access management is an important tool to facilitate traffic flow and enhance safety

Three public meetings in fall 2005 provided UVLSRPC with valuable information on current and potential challenges and issues on the Route 4 Corridor. At meetings in Canaan, Enfield and Lebanon respectively, residents and local officials shared their thoughts on current traffic conditions, land use development, management of access points, and alternative transportation and pedestrian issues. Thank you to everyone who participated in these meetings.

The following are just a few issues that were repeatedly cited at the three public meetings:
  • Poor sight distances at the intersection of Routes 4 and 4A
  • Traffic back-ups at the Enfield Village School and Mascoma Valley Regional High School
  • Congestion at the I-89 Exit 17 Interchange
  • Numerous housing developments and village revitalization efforts in Enfield and Canaan, and their potential for increasing traffic volumes and conflicts
  • Crosswalks and sidewalks needed to make connections for pedestrians, e.g. from Mascoma Valley Regional High School to the two nearby general stores; from Main Street in Enfield to Brookside Plaza

Traffic Congestion at Route 4 and 4A Intersection

A survey sent out to all owners of undeveloped land and businesses on Route 4 was also reviewed and analyzed to give us further direction for our study. Input from the public meetings, surveys and traffic and land use data guided our work on the Draft US Route 4 Corridor Management Plan. Public meetings to receive comments on the Draft were held in November and December 2006 in each of the 3 corridor communities. The project team will be incorporating the input received at those meetings over the next few weeks. We look forward to providing the final report in February (check back on our Downloadable Documents page).

Do you use Route 4 for commuting, shopping, services, recreation or other reasons? You can help us identify the issues we should focus on in the study by emailing us your thoughts on questions such as the following:
  • Is traffic a problem on Route 4? Are you waiting in traffic? If so, where and when? Have you considered using alternate routes? Which ones?
  • Do you sometimes use alternative routes off of Route 4 to avoid traffic in Hanover or Lebanon?
  • Are there safety issues on Route 4, such as speeding, conflicts between through-traffic and those turning in or out of businesses?
  • Are there stretches of Route 4 where posted speed limits are not appropriate for the conditions?
  • What are your thoughts on development along Route 4? Too much? Not enough? Wrong kinds? Are there scenic areas that you would like to see protected from development?
  • Are there commercial areas that you feel are in need of better access management now, i.e. limits on the number of driveways or better demarcation of the entrances and exits?
  • Does the current system of public transit and ridesharing meet your needs?
  • Are there other concerns you have as a driver, bicyclist or pedestrian you would share with us?