Congestion Management Report F.E. EVERETT TURNPIKE (SOUTH), NASHUA

Segment Length: 6.7 miles Number of Traffic Signals: 0 Daily Traffic Volumes: 60, 000-69,000 Number of travel lanes: 6-8 Analysis Period: June 2015 Roadway Class: I (Principal Arterial — Other Freeways and Expressways)

The F.E. Everett Turnpike serves as one of the primary north- attractions, including the Pheasant Lane Mall, downtown south thoroughfares in southern New Hampshire for Nashua, and the commercial corridors along NH 101A and vehicular traffic by connecting the state’s three largest the Daniel Webster Highway. cities: Manchester, Nashua and Concord. Since the Turnpike runs 44 miles from the Massachusetts border to Concord, Due to its role as a commuting corridor, the F.E. Everett the portion within the Nashua Region was divided into 3 Turnpike is expected to have some degree of congestion segments (North from Exit 13 to 10, Middle from Exit 10 to during peak travel times. In addition to the high volume of 7, and South from Exit 7 to the Massachusetts State line) in cars at certain peak travel times, contributors to this order to comprehensively study congestion during peak congestion are segments where travel lanes vary from two to periods. three lanes in either direction, and toll plazas, which require drivers to slow their speed. The Southern segment is located entirely within Nashua and extends from Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St) to the The Turnpike is operated by the New Hampshire Department Massachusetts state border. This segment of the Everett of Transportation’s Bureau of Turnpikes. The department Turnpike overlaps with U.S. Route 3. Since this segment plans on implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems to connects South Nashua with Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, help monitor and alleviate congestion. it is a major commuting route for those working within southern New Hampshire and metropolitan Boston area. It is also a vital road for freight transportation and local

Report, travel time runs and data analysis conducted by

2017

AM Peak Period Actual & Expected Travel Times

Corridor Extents: F.E. Everett Turnpike, Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St.) to Massachusetts State Line

Expected Travel Time during the Morning Commute 7 minutes and 20 seconds, traveling in northerly direction based upon posted speeds and free flowing traffic 7 minutes and 19 seconds, traveling in southerly direction based upon posted speeds and free flowing traffic Actual Travel Time during the Morning Commute:* Northbound Southbound 6 minutes and 24 seconds 6 minutes and 30 seconds 56 seconds (13%) less than expected 49 seconds (11%) less than expected

*The actual travel time is based upon a single travel run that was similar in duration and congestion to the average observed travel time.

PM Peak Period Actual & Expected Travel Times Corridor Extents: F.E. Everett Turnpike, Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St.) to Massachusetts State Line

Expected Travel Time during the Evening Commute 7 minutes and 20 seconds, traveling in northerly direction based upon posted speeds and free flowing traffic 7 minutes and 19 seconds, traveling in southerly direction based upon posted speeds and free flowing traffic Actual Travel Time during the Evening Commute:* Northbound Southbound 6 minutes and 39 seconds 6 minutes and 29 seconds 41 seconds (9%) less than expected 50 seconds (12%) less than expected

*The actual travel time is based upon a single travel run that was similar in duration and congestion to the average observed travel time.

AM Travel Time Ratios (7:00am—9:00am) Corridor Extents: F.E. Everett Turnpike, Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St.) to Massachusetts State Line

Travel Time Ratio A travel time ratio (TTR) compares the actual (measured) & expected (non- congested) travel times along a corridor. It is assumed that in non-congested conditions, motorists can travel at the posted speed limit. The actual time is the average of several travel time runs. The ratio between the actual time and the expected time would equal 1 for a non-congested segment. Southbound Congestion does not occur during the morning peak period between Interchange 7 and Massachusetts border, as indicated by Travel Time Ratios that are below the threshold of 1. On average, travel in the southbound direction on this segment of the F.E. Everett Turnpike during the morning commute takes approximately 49 seconds (11%) less as compared to free -flow conditions. Northbound Congestion does not occur in the southbound direction between the Massachusetts border and Interchanges 7 during the afternoon peak period, as indicated by ratios that are at or below the threshold of 1. On average, travel in the northbound direction on this segment of the F.E. Everett Turnpike during the morning commute takes approximately 56 seconds (13%) less as compared to free -flow conditions.

PM Travel Time Ratios (4:00pm—6:00pm) Corridor Extents: F.E. Everett Turnpike, Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St.) to Massachusetts State Line Travel Time Ratio A travel time ratio (TTR) compares the actual (measured) & expected (non- congested) travel times along a corridor. It is assumed that in non- congested conditions, motorists can travel at the posted speed limit. The actual time is the average of several travel time runs. The ratio between the actual time and the expected time would equal 1 for a non-congested segment. Southbound Congestion does not occur during the evening peak period between Interchange 7 and Massachusetts border, as indicated by Travel Time Ratios that are at or below the threshold of 1. On average, travel in the southbound direction on this segment of the F.E. Everett Turnpike during the evening commute takes approximately 50 seconds (12%) less as compared to free -flow conditions. Northbound Congestion does not occur in the southbound direction between the Massachusetts border and Interchange 7 during the evening peak period, as indicated by ratios that are at or below the threshold of 1. On average, travel in the northbound direction on this segment of the F.E. Everett Turnpike during the evening commute takes approximately 40 seconds (9%) less as compared to free- flow conditions.

Probe Travel Time Data Corridor Extents: F.E. Everett Turnpike, Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St.) to Massachusetts State Line

Northbound

Probe Travel Time Data Corridor Extents: F.E. Everett Turnpike, Interchange 7 (NH 101A/Amherst St.) to Massachusetts State Line

Travel times from the National Performance Measurement Research Data Set (NPMRDS) are available for the entire extent of the F.E. Everett Turnpike. Weekday travel time data collected in 2015 along three TMCs located as shown in the left-hand figure are summarized by travel speeds. The percent of traffic traveling below the speed limit versus at or above the posted speed limit of 55 mph during the peak and off peak hours for each segment is graphed in the figures below and on the following page.

The data indicates that, in general:

 The vast majority of both freight and passenger vehicles exceeds the posted speed limit

 Northbound traffic between exits 6 and 7 slows down during peak and off peak hours, but more traffic is moving above the speed limit than below. The 2015 weekday travel time data was also summarized by average travel speed by hour of day for all vehicle types (passenger and freight combined). The graphs below show that average speeds during the majority of the day are above 60 mph, with the exception of the northbound traffic between exits 6 and 7, which moves a little slower but still above the speed limit.

NB Avg Speed Posted Speed Exit 36 Off to Exit 1 On Exit 1 On to Exit 4 Off Exit 4 Off to Exit 4 On Weekdays in 2015 Exit 4 On to Btwn Exit 5 Off/On Btwn Exit 5 Off/On to Exit 5 On 70 Exit 5 On to Exit 6 On Exit 6 On to Exit 7 On

65 The NPMRDS provides roadway performance data for the National Highway System (NHS). The 60 NPMRDS data are derived from instantaneous mph vehicle probe speed data supplied by a variety of 55 GPS devices carried by both trucks and cars. The data are supplied on a GIS roadway network, 50 which divides the NHS into directional road segments based on the Traffic Message Channel (TMC) standard. SB Avg Speed Posted Speed Exit 7 On to Exit 6 On Exit 6 On to Exit 5W Off Exit 5W Off to Exit 5 On Weekdays in 2015 Exit 5 On to Exit 3 Off Exit 3 Off to Exit 4 On 70 Exit 4 On to Exit 1 On Exit 1 On to Exit 36 On

65

60 mph 55

50

Backbone of the Regional Economy

Lacking alternative means of regional transportation (e.g., passenger rail, inter-city bus transit), the F.E. Everett Turnpike serves as a major north-south thoroughfare for residents, commuters, and tourists in the Nashua region to travel within southern New Hampshire and to Massachusetts.

The F.E. Everett Turnpike plays an important role as a connector between Nashua, Massachusetts, and the rest of New Hampshire. The homes, office parks, industrial parks, and retail activity that are accessed by this corridor contribute to the region’s diverse economy. Due to the high volume of goods, services, and people that travel along this corridor every day, projects that minimize congestion and increase traffic efficiency are essential. Projects There are several infrastructure projects along the F.E. Everett Turnpike that could impact the corridor. Within the Southern segment, the redesign of Exit 5 SB and the creation of Exit 36S could have major impacts on reducing congestion and aiding traffic flows in Nashua. The construction of the southbound off ramp at Exit 36 may result in a substantial reduction in traffic volume on Spit Brook Road east of the F.E. Everett Turnpike and Daniel Webster Highway, by providing an efficient and direct alternative for travelers seeking to access the Pheasant Lane Mall and other retail and commercial land uses along southern Daniel Webster Highway and the northern reaches of Middlesex Road in Tyngsborough, Massachusetts.

Other projects include the deployment of Intelligent Transportation System, which will utilize technology that monitors traffic and notifies travelers of any changes in conditions. One of these tools include close-circuit television (CCTV), which monitors traffic conditions, determines appropriate incident responses, and informs the public. Two others tools include Dynamic Mes- sage Signs (DMS) and Variable Message Signs (VMS), which are electronic signs that inform motorists of current traffic condi- tions, including travel times, road work and special events.

The Nashua Regional Planning Commission plans to complete an additional congestion analysis of the F. E. Everett Turnpike after the impacts of the improvements are fully in effect.