Building a balanced transportation system: CLF opposes wasteful 1-93 widening plans.

THE PROPOSAL TO WIDEN Interstate 93 was called one of the most wasteful road projects in America by Taxpayers for Common Sense. The project will induce sprawling growth and development along the 1-93 corridor. Traffic congestion will soon return and impacts to wetlands will be severe.

CLF is leading opposition to the project through a coalition of 13 environmental and public interest advocacy groups, including the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the Audubon Society of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Public Health Society. The coalition called upon the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a balanced, long-term transportation solution that limits impacts to air and water quality.

The current proposal to widen 1-93 is not a sustainable solution. DOT failed to even consider alternatives to help keep cars off the road, like restoring rail along the Manchester-Lawrence railroad corridor that runs roughly parallel to the highway. DOT also failed to evaluate adequately the environmental impacts of the project. The coalition has asked federal and state officials to place the project on hold.