Route 202 Frequently Asked Questions

Is the project still moving forward? Updated April 12, 2019
Yes.  Please see the next question.

What is the Current Status of the Project? Updated April 12, 2019
NH DOT and VHB have held meetings with affected property owners. The public hearing is now tentatively planned for late August, 2019.  The hearing will be conducted by a three member committee selected by the Executive Council.  The public will have an opportunity to be heard and give input for ten days following the public hearing.

Does the town get to vote on whether it wants this project? 
NH DOT will host a public hearing presided by three members appointed by the Executive Council.  The members will hear testimony from the public, weigh their testimony, and base their decision on the project following the hearing. 

How does a driver in the roundabout know about pedestrians in the crosswalk?
One option is the use of a sensing flashing beacon that activates when a pedestrian approaches a crosswalk, sending a light signal to alert drivers of the presence of pedestrians.
See the linked document as an example of beacons available.

How do bicyclists and pedestrians get through a roundabout?
Please open the linked document for answers to this question.

How do you drive through a single-lane roundabout?
Please open the linked document for answers to this question.

What is the Purpose of this Project?
For more than a decade, the Town has been exploring ways to improve the downtown, while maintaining its historic charm, mountain views, and business activity. These efforts have identified the cause of the problem – motorists traveling along Route 202 pass through two closely spaced traffic signal controlled intersections in a dogleg configuration where the available capacity cannot accommodate the high left-turn volume. This vehicular congestion both frustrates motorists and impedes safe and efficient pedestrian mobility.

The Route 202 Improvements Project aims to address the traffic congestion and safety-related deficiencies associated with the current configuration of the Route 202 dogleg intersections of Main Street with Peterborough Street and Main Street with River Street, while enhancing pedestrian mobility and supporting the quality of life and the economic vitality of Jaffrey’s downtown.

What is the Role of the Advisory Committee?

• Committee members are expected to represent and serve as a liaison to the community.

• The Committee serves in an advisory role and is not a decision-making body. However, as a group, the Committee will be asked to seek consensus.

• Committee members are asked to work as team, respect all opinions and refrain from monopolizing the conversation.

• Expect approximately nine Committee meetings over the next 18 months.

• We’ll send out a notice of the meeting, agenda, and any review material by e-mail in advance of each meeting.

• Expect meetings to go between 1 ½ and 2 hours. We start meetings on time and we end them on time.

Who is on the Advisory Committee?

But what about parking?
While the Blake Street lot will be eliminated by this project, alternatives are under consideration.  Additional on-street parking, parallel and angle parking on Main Street, and completing the parking program at Community Field are the prime options.  

Who is going to park at Community Field and walk downtown?
Walking time from Community Field to the 5-way intersection: 1' 45"
Community Field to the 4-way intersection: 3' 00"
Community Field to the Common: 4' 45"