Matthew J. Harper
5 Butternut St
Hudson, NH 03051
H: 883-9557
C: 759-4198

1 May 2007


Dear Selectmen,

I have some concerns regarding the conceptual plans for the Riverplace road
interchange.   I realize that Mr. Maddox and Mr. Massey are the selectman
liaison's to the planning board, but I felt it appropriate to raise my
concern to all of you due to the scope of the proposed project.

Of greatest concern to me are the two west-bound on ramps from the project
area into Sagamore Bridge Road.  One enters from the left (South side) and
one enters from the right (North side.)  Like many, I travel this route
daily in my commute to work.   There is a fair amount of lane switching,
weaving is the phrase I believe, already on that stretch with just the
existing two access entry points from Lowell Road.   The proposed plan
would, I believe, be a significant safety issue.  In addition, it would be
quite confusing to new and regular drivers to the area.

I grew up on Long Island and frequently travel back there, so I am quite
familiar with all the highway interchanges to and from there.  I also lived
and worked in the CA/Washington D.C. area for 3+ years.   I have encountered
a number of highway on/off ramp configurations such as that is proposed and
they are always a continual source of accident, near accidents, and
congestion as people simply try to get into the proper lanes to get to their
destinations.  The Riverplace Project Planning people propose that the
dual/opposing ramp idea would lessen the weaving in traffic.   That has
simply not been my experience in such situations.   Far better for all
traffic to enter from one side than have such a double sided affect on those
drivers already on the road.   

Considering the length of the road in question, from Lowell road to the
river, this all has to happen in a rather short time period.  Knowing how
the traffic patterns are on the Nashua side of the river for the same road,
where there are 4 entrance/exit ramps in such a short distance, I cannot see
how having one on each side of the road would be beneficial for the traffic
flow.  I *can* see how the planners needed to propose that solution since
they cannot have both lanes come in from the right without additional
wetlands impact, if it could even be done at all under the NHDOT laws.


Thank you for your time. 

-Matt Harper