Spaulding Turnpike Terminates Exit During Expansion

While the massive widening project calls for additional lanes, one key exit is vanishing from map.

On Tuesday, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation officially closed Spaulding Turnpike exit 5 on ramp. The ongoing project saw the closing of the off ramp years ago, and the closure is all in the name of safety. Exit 5 was the entrance and exit for Hilton Park.

First reported by Fosters Daily Democrat, Chief Project Manager Keith Cota said the on-ramp for Exit 5 would be too close to the two-lane “high-capacity” off-ramp for Exit 6. With both open, more traffic tie-ups would be expected. “It’s just too close to maintain a safe operation.”

With the exit closed, travellers who want to head south will use Boston Harbor Road to the U.S. Route 4 intersection and use the Spaulding Turnpike southbound on-ramp from Exit 6, according to Fosters. Northbound will temporarily require more maneuvering. At the Route 4 intersection, drivers will cross to Spur Road, then to Gerrish Road, and will bring drivers to Dover Point Road. Following Dover Point Road north will bring drivers northward to Exit 7 of the Spaulding Turnpike. Long range,  the plan is to create a Spaulding Turnpike northbound Exit 6 on-ramp. This cannot happen until an old bridge is demolished, according to Keith Cota.