CONCORD - Governor John Lynch and state Transportation Commissioner George Campbell today announced that the State of New Hampshire has received final approval from the Federal Highway Administration to continue with the rebuilding and widening of a 19.8-mile section of Interstate 93 between Salem and Manchester.

"Interstate 93 is a critical piece of New Hampshire's transportation infrastructure, and we have already begun significant work in widening the highway to meet today's demands. This decision clears the way for us to continue making progress on improving the road," Governor Lynch said. "The widening of I-93 is a top priority of mine, and it is essential that we continue with the progress we have made in order to improve safety and expand opportunities for economic development and jobs."

The Federal Highway Administration has issued a Supplemental Record of Decision, which upholds a 2005 Record of Decision that concluded "the Four-Lane Alternative is the Environmentally Preferred Alternative since it best balances the need to provide safe and efficient transportation with social, economic, and natural environment concerns." A lawsuit had questioned the widening of the highway to four lanes.

"This decision allows us to continue the progress that's already been underway in addressing Red List Bridges and upgrading interchanges on Interstate 93," said Commissioner Campbell. "This completes the environmental process and we are now moving forward to diligently address growing safety concerns and traffic demands for the thousands of motorists utilizing this vital corridor."

The project involves widening I-93 to a four-lane highway in each direction. It also includes improvements for five interchanges and local roads and replaces 19 red list bridges within the project corridor.