HB578

Merrimack is cut in half along its length by the Everett turnpike. Noise pollution and traffic impacts on the town, especially when there is a blockage of the highway, is ever present. The widening of the turnpike further escalates the noise pollution, so it should be expected that the state includes noise mitigation efforts in the project without specifically needing to be asked or ordered to. This bill will ensure just that.

Residents who have homes in certain neighborhoods near the Turnpike experience disruptive sound due to the widening project. Sound barriers are needed to reduce the disruptive noise.

Residents who have homes in certain neighborhoods near the Turnpike experience disruptive sound due to the widening project. Sound barriers are needed to reduce the disruptive noise.

I support this bill because the state has made changes to the FE Everett Turnpike that have impacted the quality of life of Merrimack residents who live along the turnpike. The Turnpike project will add extra lanes and trees have been clear cut in preparation of these changes. The noise level has increased significantly so that residents in affected areas are unable to enjoy time outside their homes or even open their windows during warmer weather.

Will testify in person at public hearing.

As a resident of Roundtree Drive in Merrimack, NH, near Exit 12, I can personally attest to the overwhelming noise pollution from the Everett Turnpike. The constant roar of traffic forces us to keep our windows closed nearly all day, depriving us of fresh air and peace in our own homes. This issue will only worsen with the addition of new lanes, and the noise from horns, trucks, and speeding vehicles is becoming unbearable. Over time, this level of noise pollution poses a serious health risk, potentially contributing to hearing loss and increased stress levels for residents. In addition to addressing the noise, the installation of sound barriers would enhance safety for families in the area. The current protection—a deteriorating chain-link fence and sparse vegetation—is inadequate for stopping a vehicle from careening off the highway. Our neighborhoods are home to children, pedestrians, and families, and the barriers could help prevent a vehicle from crashing into homes or people. This not only mitigates noise but also provides a crucial layer of protection against accidents, significantly reducing the state’s liability in the event of a tragedy. It’s a necessary investment in the health and safety of our community.

I am in support of this bill. The NH Department of Transportation should install sound barriers on the Everett Turnpike: west side southbound, southwest of Interchange 12, and on the west side southbound, northwest of Interchange 12.

I am writing to express my deep frustration and concern over the impacts of the ongoing highway expansion project near my parents' home on Back River Road in Merrimack. What was once a peaceful front yard, buffered by a natural tree barrier, has now been transformed into a direct view of the highway—an eyesore that has significantly diminished the character and privacy of their property. The removal of these trees has not only exposed the roadway but has also contributed to increased noise pollution, making it difficult to enjoy time outdoors. What’s particularly frustrating is that many of these trees appeared to be cut down unnecessarily, adding insult to injury. The loss of this natural sound and visual barrier has left my parents’ home more vulnerable to the constant roar of traffic, which has become noticeably louder. It is disheartening to see so much destruction for a project that, according to numerous studies, is not even an effective solution to traffic congestion. Time and time again, research has shown that expanding highways does not reduce bottlenecks—it only induces more traffic. Rather than pouring resources into an outdated and ineffective approach, the state should be investing in robust public transportation solutions that provide long-term relief and sustainability. Expanding highways may seem like an easy fix, but it ultimately exacerbates the very problem it aims to solve. Our communities deserve smarter, more forward-thinking transportation policies—ones that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and the well-being of residents. The least they can do now is pay to erect a sound barrier on Back River Road. The increased noise pollution has had a direct and negative impact on the quality of life for residents, and a sound barrier would be a necessary step to mitigate the damage already done. It won’t bring back the lost trees, but it would at least provide some relief from the constant highway noise that now overwhelms the area. Best, Hillary Baird

I live on Vista Way which is directly affected by the highway noise. The noise has made it impossible to use it yard. A neighbor had a sounds test done, it definitely feel into the noise putting category. A wall is a necessity for our neighborhood

I live on Back River Rd. Since the trees, shrubs, grasses have all been removed as part of the turnpike expansion, the noise from the highway is much worse, plus we have to look at urnpike traffic . My quality of life has been affected, and my property value as well. Please consider installing a barrier that would relieve the homeowners along this Western border edge of Back River Rd. From my home I have to look at not only the normal traffic on my road, but all Turnpike lanes, and traffic on Rt.3. There's a long stretch of fencing installed along the Turnpike in Bedford, at the end of Teaberry Lane. This abutts dense woods. No property is visible here. If this area qualifies for a barrier, we should as well. Thank you for your time.

Sound barriers need to be put up on the west side of the Everett turnpike. With the expansion of the highway the houses are so close and the noise level is unacceptable

Hello, my name is Jack Lytle. I live at 6 Roundtree Dr in Merrimack. I support this bill to build a sound barrier along the highway which is growing ever closer to my front door. With the expansion of the highway I feel the sound barrier should have been part of the initial project’s cost. Please pass this bill and help our families enjoy this beautiful town and state without the noise from the highway.

I support the requirement that the state add sound barriers on the Everett Turnpike.

I have been a resident of Merrimack for 20+ years and my home is on Kittridge lane. Although I do not live directly along side the highway, I do live about .2 miles away. I can honestly say, the sound from the highway has increased over the years due to increased traffic and trimming of trees. With the highway expanding, the sound will only increase. With the above said, I strongly support sound barriers.

I support this bill

MY house one Davis Road backs up to the highway. The noise from the traffic is extremely loud. We cannot open our windows in the rear of our house due to the noise. It is.difficult to have a conversation outside. When construction starts trees will be cut down and the situation will be much worse.

We live on Davis Rd. in Merrimack. We are one road removed from the highway. We have lived here for over 20 years. In that time, the noise from the Everett Turnpike has become a nuisance not only during rush hour times but now during most times of the day. In addition, we walk around our neighborhood on Vista and Roundtree which are now incredibly noisy as they abut the highway. At some places during our walk the cars are currently about 50-75 ft from where we are walking. We desperately need sound barriers installed as the traffic noise will increase immensely once the third lane is added, making an already noisy situation that much worse. Please support HB 578 for the citizens of Merrimack. Regards Thomas Wilder Merrimack

The highway is just behind my back yard and now we can't sleep, watch TV or converse normally in the house with windows open. We can't hear each other in the back yard unless we shout. This will be so much worse when the highway is widened. I believe a new test should be done for sound impact at the end of Davis Rd and Vista Way. Our quality of life in our home as well as home value will be impacted significantly without a sound barrier. We did install new, better windows 2 years ago but with minimal benefit where the noise from the highway is concerned.

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