NHDOT – I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge Part-Time Shoulder Use System

This design build project is for an intelligent transportation system (ITS) for the implementation of a part-time shoulder use (PTSU) system on the Interstate 95 (I-95) corridor bridge over the Piscataqua River between the States of New Hampshire and Maine. This project was jointly initiated with the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority.

The PTSU system will allow vehicles to use the existing right shoulders of I-95 northbound and southbound as a travel lane during peak traffic periods to ease congestion and accommodate the peak travel demands. This will also improve corridor safety by reducing the probability, frequency, and severity of crashes. In addition, the PTSU system will enhance the mobility for all travelers on the corridor by keeping highway through traffic on the I-95 corridor and discourage traffic from diverting to the local street network.

The PTSU system will operate along I-95 northbound between the Exit 5 interchange in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and the Exit 3 interchange in Kittery, Maine, and along 1-95/Maine Turnpike southbound between the Exit 2 interchange in Kittery, Maine and the Exit 5 interchange in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The new PTSU system will utilize a new Antenna Support Structure, Electronic Overhead Lane Use Signs, Dynamic Message Signs, Motor Vehicle Detection Systems, CCTV’s and associated (ITS) field equipment to be installed along the New Hampshire and Maine I95 corridor. The ITS field equipment will monitor and communicate with the New England Compass Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) and the NH Transportation Management Center(TMC), the MTA Traffic Management and Communication Center (TMCC), and the MaineDOT TMC to allow the operators to control lane use.