Seabrook - Hampton 15904

Hampton- Seabrook 15904 new bridge rendering
Digital rendering of the proposed Neil R. Underwood Bridge replacement

 

The replacement of the Neil R. Underwood Bridge is a major infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation and navigation along NH 1A in Hampton, New Hampshire. The existing bridge, constructed in 1949, is listed on the State Red List due to structural deficiencies. The new bridge will enhance roadway capacity, improve access for bicyclists and pedestrians, and provide greater clearance for maritime traffic.

On January 18, 2024, a public bid was held for the construction contract, and on March 13, 2024, SPS New England Inc. was awarded the project with a low bid of $107,559,567.35. The construction phase officially began on May 16, 2024, under the administration of the NHDOT Bureau of Construction, led by DCE Paul Metcalf Jr., with civil engineers Denis Switzer and Zach Smith, and engineering technician Kurt Robbins overseeing progress.

The new bridge will be a fixed high-level steel girder structure situated west of the existing bridge on a horizontally curved alignment. It will span 1,300 feet with seven spans and feature a wider roadway—38 feet between curbs, including two 11-foot travel lanes and 8-foot shoulders. The bridge will also incorporate two 6-foot sidewalks with designated overlooks, enhancing pedestrian access. Importantly, it will maintain the full 150-foot-wide federal navigational channel with a vertical under-clearance of approximately 48 feet, allowing unhindered passage for all regular maritime users, including dredging equipment from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Beyond the bridge itself, the project includes full reconstruction of NH 1A’s approach roadways. A pedestrian walkway will be built beneath the bridge’s north span to connect Hampton Beach State Park to the Hampton State Pier property. Throughout the construction period, traffic management plans will ensure that both vehicular and pedestrian access remain operational on either the existing or proposed bridge. Waterway traffic will continue within the federal navigational channel, with the existing bascule bridge operating normally until it is ultimately demolished upon completion of the new structure.

This project represents a vital investment in the region’s infrastructure, ensuring safer and more efficient transportation for both land and waterway users.

STATUS Construction

RAISE Discretionary Grant Application 2021

Certificate of Compliance with Davis-Bacon Requirements

NEPA Hearing, April 8, 2021 6:00 PM

The NHDOT has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA), in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the NHDOT’s guidelines for environmental documents, for the proposed replacement of the Neil R. Underwood Memorial Bridge. The 30-day public comment period begins March 24, 2021, with written comments being accepted through April 23, 2021. Comments may be submitted in writing or by email to Ms. Jennifer Reczek, NH Department of Transportation, 7 Hazen Drive, PO Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483 or through the e-mail link above.

There will be a public hearing to present the project’s impact on environmental resources and accept comments on the EA document. This hearing will be held virtually, via Zoom, on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at 6:00 PM. To attend the Zoom Meeting from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device please go to https://zoom.us/j/96583846007?pwd=aVpRWU9IeHk4ZUd3Z3ZjUGpaeHlVdz09. When prompted type in the passcode: 949550.

To join the Zoom Meeting by telephone, dial 1-646-558-8656. When prompted, enter on your keypad the Meeting ID: 965 8384 6007 followed by #: 949550.
Participants that call in on the telephone must enter *6 to mute or unmute and *9 to raise and lower your hand. International numbers are available at https://zoom.us/u/aJsTC21g

Public Information Meeting January 14, 2021

PAC Meeting #4, #5, & #6

#6 January 6, 2021

#5 April 1, 2020

#4 August 29, 2019

NH Dredge Management Task Force Meeting, February 6, 2019

Public Informational Meeting, January 30, 2019

Meeting with Abutters December 12, 2018

PAC Meeting #3, #2, & #1

#3 December 4, 2018

#2 November 13, 2018

Public Informational Meeting, September 26, 2018