| For Immediate Release June 17, 2010 |
Contact: Communications Director Office of the Governor 603-271-2121 |
Governor Lynch Officially Opens High Speed Toll Lanes in Hampton
CONCORD - Governor John Lynch today officially opened the new high speed Open Road Tolling Lanes on Interstate 95 in Hampton. The Governor joined Department of Transportation Commissioner George Campbell and other officials to mark the official opening of the high speed lanes, which will eliminate major back ups at the tolls.
"On Interstate 95, traffic back ups due to the tolls have become notorious. These miles-long back ups have caused frustration among people who use the road, serious accidents and diverted traffic onto local roads," Governor Lynch said. "Today, all of that changes. Through technology, and with determination and clear vision, traffic jams at the Hampton tolls are now a thing of the past."
Governor Lynch worked closely with DOT to bring high speed Open Road Tolling to Hampton in an effort to reduce congestion, and to improve safety and air quality. The Governor signed legislation last year allowing DOT to move forward with Open Road Tolling in Hampton. New Hampshire is the only New England state to utilize high speed Open Road Tolling for E-ZPass users.
During a test period conducted over the recent Memorial Day weekend, it was found the Open Road Tolling Lanes processed about 3,000 cars an hour, while the traditional manned booths processed just 400 per hour. Once the testing period was concluded, the lanes were again closed so equipment and signs alerting drivers to the upcoming lane shifts could be adjusted
"What a tremendous difference this is going to make for the people who use this road on weekends and every day throughout the year. It's going to improve safety, help with economic development, alleviate unwanted traffic diversion onto local roads and help reduce harmful emissions from idling vehicles," Governor Lynch said.
"This will have a positive ripple effect throughout the state as visitors use Interstate 95 not only to enjoy our beaches and many other Seacoast attractions, but they also continue to travel further north, to our Lakes Region and White Mountains," Governor Lynch said.