Board to discuss road connection

CONNECTING STREETS

HUDSON – In order to improve traffic flow along the heavily traveled Derry Street, the road agent has recommending linking Webster and Ferry streets.

“As you are aware traffic congestion on Derry Street has reach an unacceptable level,” Road Agent Kevin Burns wrote in a memo to the Board of Selectmen.

“On many mornings traffic is backed up southbound on Derry Street north of Derry Lane.”

Under Burn’s proposal, Webster Street near the Exxon Station and Veterans Memorial Bridge would be connected to Ferry Street.

The selectmen are scheduled to discuss the proposal tonight.

Currently, motorists can turn left onto Webster Street. However, traffic heading south on Webster Street ends at a cul-de-sac.

Under Burn’s proposal, the cul-de-sac and two small trees would be removed and a stop sign would be installed. In a memo to selectmen, Burns also suggests adding about four stop signs on Webster Street and a gate to a rear entrance to the 20th Century Plaza.

The estimated costs of the project are $15,000, according to Burns’ memo.

According to traffic counts conducted by the highway department, about 45 percent of the traffic on Derry Street heading south is going to Nashua.

Connecting Webster and Ferry street could reduce the southbound traffic on Derry Street by more than 2,000 vehicles per day, according to Burns.

The Highway Department would handle the construction, Town Administrator Steve Malizia said.

Burns also recommended in his memo conducting a “mini traffic study” of the area.

The selectmen would have at least one public hearing on the project, Malizia said.

The town also holds public hearings before installing stop signs.