Complete Streets of New Hampshire

Complete Streets create healthier, more prosperous places for people to live and thrive.

Complete streets create vibrant communities!

Planning for multiple modes of transportation gives people of all ages and abilities an opportunity to choose how they get around, and offer more options for the nearly  1/3  of Americans who lack a driver’s license.

When asked, New Hampshirites from rural to urban communities will tell you they want neighborhoods and village centers in which their families can walk and ride a bike. So, how can we make roads safer for all users?  The May - June 2024 Town & City Magazine article  provides the tools that many communities in New Hampshire and beyond have utilized to ensure roads accommodate all users. Please join us in the discovery of Complete Streets in New Hampshire.

Complete Streets in New Hampshire

As of January 2025, 17 different New Hampshire communities have a Complete Streets policy or resolution in place. Several others have been recognized as nice places to walk or ride a bicycle.

Antrim: Complete Streets Policy

Antrim: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Alstead: Complete Streets Policy

Alstead: Complete Streets Policy . Click to expand.

The town of Alstead envisions a safe, accessible, and well-connected transportation network that meets the needs of all user groups and all modes of travel that fits within the context of the Town's rural character and preserves the Town's historic and natural resources. To support this vision, it is the intent of the Town, through this policy, to create a network of "complete streets" that safely accommodate everyone. The policy organizes and formulizes this effort.

Concord: Complete Streets Policy

Concord: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Dover: Complete Streets Policy & Guidelines

Dover: Complete Streets Policy & Guidelines. Click to expand.

Hinsdale: Complete Streets Policy & Guidelines

Hinsdale: Complete Streets Policy & Guidelines. Click to expand.

Greenville: Complete Streets Policy

Greenville: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Marlborough: Complete Streets Policy

Marlborough: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Jaffrey: Complete Streets Policy, Resolution, & Guidelines

Jaffrey: Complete Streets Policy, Resolution, & Guidelines. Click to expand.

Jaffrey uses their Complete Streets Guidelines for Complete Streets policy.

Keene: Complete Streets Resolution & Design Guide

Keene: Complete Streets Resolution & Design Guide. Click to expand.

Lebanon: Complete Streets Policy

Lebanon: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Peterborough: Complete Streets Policy

Peterborough: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Portsmouth: Complete Streets Policy & Design Guidelines

Portsmouth: Complete Streets Policy & Design Guidelines . Click to expand.

Swanzey: Complete Streets Policy & Design Guidelines

Swanzey: Complete Streets Policy & Design Guidelines. Click to expand.

Troy: Complete Streets Policy

Troy: Complete Streets Policy. Click to expand.

Walpole: Complete Streets Policy, Design Guide, & Resolution

Walpole: Complete Streets Policy, Design Guide, & Resolution . Click to expand.

Winchester: Complete Streets Policy, Plan, Guidelines, & Resolution

Winchester: Complete Streets Policy, Plan, Guidelines, & Resolution. Click to expand.

Harrisville: Complete Streets Policy, Planning & Design Guidelines, & Resolution

Harrisville: Complete Streets Policy, Planning & Design Guidelines, & Resolution. Click to expand.

Antrim: Complete Streets Policy

Antrim's Master Plan identifies a strong desire by residents for improved pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure. To support these goals, it is the intent of the Town, through this policy, to create a network of Complete Streets that safely accommodate all road users. The policy organizes and formalizes this effort.

Alstead: Complete Streets Policy

The town of Alstead envisions a safe, accessible, and well-connected transportation network that meets the needs of all user groups and all modes of travel that fits within the context of the Town's rural character and preserves the Town's historic and natural resources. To support this vision, it is the intent of the Town, through this policy, to create a network of "complete streets" that safely accommodate everyone. The policy organizes and formulizes this effort.

Dover: Complete Streets Policy & Guidelines

Greenville: Complete Streets Policy

Marlborough: Complete Streets Policy

Jaffrey: Complete Streets Policy, Resolution, & Guidelines

Jaffrey uses their Complete Streets Guidelines for Complete Streets policy.

Peterborough: Complete Streets Policy

Portsmouth: Complete Streets Policy & Design Guidelines

Swanzey: Complete Streets Policy & Design Guidelines

Winchester: Complete Streets Policy, Plan, Guidelines, & Resolution

Harrisville: Complete Streets Policy, Planning & Design Guidelines, & Resolution

Complete Streets Plans

Portsmouth: Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan

Portsmouth: Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan. Click to expand.

The City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2014) analyzes needs and deficiencies, provides guidelines and standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and identifies and prioritizes infrastructure improvements.

Exeter: Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan

Exeter: Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan. Click to expand.

The Town of Exeter has contracted with Rockingham Planning Commission to gather input from residents - and others who work, shop or recreate in town – and develop a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan with strategies to improve safety and connectivity for walking and bicycling in Exeter.

Hanover: Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan

Hanover: Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. Click to expand.

Town of Hanover Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan (2012)

Stratham: Advocacy Committee

Stratham: Advocacy Committee. Click to expand.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Advocacy Committee

Amherst: Multimodal Master Plan

Amherst: Multimodal Master Plan. Click to expand.

Bedford: Pedestrian & Bicycle Connectivity Master Plan

Bedford: Pedestrian & Bicycle Connectivity Master Plan. Click to expand.

Bedford Pedestrian & Bicycle Connectivity Master Plan (2014)

Merrimack: Bicycle-Pedestrian Corridor Plan

Merrimack: Bicycle-Pedestrian Corridor Plan. Click to expand.

Merrimack Daniel Webster Highway Bicycle-Pedestrian Corridor Plan (2019)

NRPC: Complete Streets Guidelines

NRPC: Complete Streets Guidelines. Click to expand.

Nashua Regional Planning Commission is in the process of developing Complete Streets Guidelines (ongoing project).

Concord: Ped + Bike Plans

Concord: Ped + Bike Plans. Click to expand.

City of Concord Pedestrian Master Plan (2017)

2023 Lakes Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

2023 Lakes Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Click to expand.

The 2023 Lakes Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is a comprehensive update to the 2012 plan. It was developed to provide the communities in the Lakes Region with additional information about existing biking and walking infrastructure and to reinforce local revitalization efforts that desire to make their communities safer and more enjoyable places to live and visit.

Portsmouth: Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan

The City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2014) analyzes needs and deficiencies, provides guidelines and standards for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and identifies and prioritizes infrastructure improvements.

Exeter: Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan

The Town of Exeter has contracted with  Rockingham Planning Commission  to gather input from residents - and others who work, shop or recreate in town – and develop a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan with strategies to improve safety and connectivity for walking and bicycling in Exeter.

Hanover: Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan

Bedford: Pedestrian & Bicycle Connectivity Master Plan

NRPC: Complete Streets Guidelines

Nashua Regional Planning Commission is in the process of developing Complete Streets Guidelines (ongoing project).

2023 Lakes Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

The 2023 Lakes Region Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is a comprehensive update to the 2012 plan. It was developed to provide the communities in the Lakes Region with additional information about existing biking and walking infrastructure and to reinforce local revitalization efforts that desire to make their communities safer and more enjoyable places to live and visit.

Creating Complete Streets

Communities big and small are implementing Complete Streets projects (including demonstration projects) across the Granite State. The map below highlights some planned, ongoing, and recently completed projects.

Bethlehem: Pop-Up Demo: Main Street

Whitefield: Pop-Up Demo: Whitefield King’s Square

Portsmouth: Pop-Up Demo: Islington St.

NH Route 108 Dover-Somersworth-Rochester 29604

Downtown Dover Pedestrian and Vehicular Access Improvements Project

Litchfield: Albuquerque Ave Trail Completion

Portsmouth: Maplewood Ave. Complete Streets Improvements

Moultonborough Village Vision Report

Moultonborough: Village Sidewalk Study Conceptual Design Report

Laconia: Elm Street Pedestrian Improvements

Hampton: Winnacunnet Rd. Improvements

Concord: Main St. Improvements

Nashua: Canal St. Improvements

Manchester: Canal St. Multi-Use Path

Dover: Central Ave. Complete Streets

Lebanon: Hanover Street at High Street Intersection

Lebanon: Hanover Street Corridor Improvements

Lebanon: Hanover Street at Route 120 Intersection

Somersworth: Main St. Improvements

Manchester: Exit 8/ Wellington Rd. Improvements

Portsmouth: Elwyn Rd. Multi-Use Path

Portsmouth: Peverly Hill Road Complete Streets Project

Swanzey: West Swanzey Road Through West Swanzey Village Improvements

Keene: West Street Corridor Improvements Project

Amherst: Baboosic Greenway

Sugar Hill: Traffic Calming Pop-Up Project

Durham: Madbury Road Complete Streets Project

Bethlehem: Pop-Up Demo: Main Street

Completed in August and September 2023 – Goal to test out temporary measures to slow vehicle speeds, improve the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, and reduce the amount of time pedestrians were in the road at crossings.

Whitefield: Pop-Up Demo: Whitefield King’s Square

Completed in September 2021 – Tested out improved pedestrian crossings and markings around Kings Square in downtown Whitefield. 

Portsmouth: Pop-Up Demo: Islington St.

Several years ago, Portsmouth completed a pop-up planning project on Islington Street as part of the planning for their Islington redesign project.

Portsmouth also has a complete streets project of sorts for US1 in design now that includes traffic separated bicycle paths.

NH Route 108 Dover-Somersworth-Rochester 29604

This project involves the study of improvements to NH Route 108 from the intersection of NH Route 9/Indian Brook Drive in Dover to Innovation Drive in Rochester, a distance of approximately 5 miles (click on the link to the project limit map below). NH Route 108 is generally two lanes with variable width shoulders through the project area. Localized improvements have been made in recent decades at key intersections and some commercial developments to add turning lanes, shoulders, and traffic signals.  However, safety and mobility issues remain a concern.  Specific concerns include the following:

  • The corridor is subject to very high traffic volumes during peak AM and PM travel times (“commuting hours”), which restricts mobility particularly in the vicinity of key intersections.
  • The lack of consistent shoulders or sidewalks hinders the mobility of non-motorized users.
  • The lack of formal bus stops creates safety concerns for COAST bus patrons, and buses stopped within the highway further hinder mobility.

The objective of the project is to develop a design alternative that will improve the safety and mobility of all users by applying  ‘Complete Street’  principles with the central goal of achieving an appropriate balance between the needs of motorized, non-motorized, and transit users of the corridor.  The three cities of Dover, Somersworth, and Rochester, in cooperation with the Strafford Regional Planning Commission, have formed a Route 108 Tri-City Complete Streets working group to provide local perspective on the needs within the corridor.  This working group will help define the project’s purpose and need and guide the alternatives analysis as the project moves forward.

More information can be found here:  https://108tricitycompletestreets.com/ 

Downtown Dover Pedestrian and Vehicular Access Improvements Project

Status: From April to November 2023, the design consultant will produce final design plans. Then the project will be budgeted into the six-year Capital Improvements Program.

This project will bring the 2015  Downtown Pedestrian and Vehicular Access and Streetscape Study  into design and ultimately create construction plans. The Downtown Pedestrian and Vehicle Improvements Project would implement the improvements identified by the study, ensuring streets are safe and accessible for all users regardless of age, physical ability, or mode of transportation.

Litchfield: Albuquerque Ave Trail Completion

Status: Completed

Albuquerque Ave, Albuquerque Ave Trail Completion:  Construct 0.85 Miles And 0.95 Miles of Pedestrian Bikeway adjacent to Albuquerque Ave.

Portsmouth: Maplewood Ave. Complete Streets Improvements

Status: Planning

Complete Streets Improvements on Maplewood Ave between Congress St and Raynes Ave.

Moultonborough Village Vision Report

Status: Produced (2015)

This report is intended to be a detailed, more refined overall vision for the Village where the village is self-sustaining, vibrant and lively, with a traffic-calmed roadway (formerly Main Street, now Whittier Highway/Route 25) where pedestrians and bicyclists safely circulate and add to the sense of activity.

More information can be found here:

Moultonborough: Village Sidewalk Study Conceptual Design Report

This report documents the findings and assessments of a feasibility study to construct sidewalks in the Village area of Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The study was initiated by a citizen’s petition and subsequently approved by warrant article at the 2013 March Town Meeting.

Learn more about the Village Sidewalk Study Conceptual Design Report here.

More information can be found here:

Laconia: Elm Street Pedestrian Improvements

Status: Planning

The purpose of the project is to provide ADA compliant pedestrian infrastructure and non-motorized access to public destinations along Elm Street, between Franklin Street and Hickory Stick Lane. The project should also provide dedicated infrastructure for bicyclists.

These improvements are also part of the Opechee Loop, a larger trail project that starts in Lakeport and rings around Lake Opechee. The Elm Street Pedestrian improvements are segment C of the Opechee Loop.

More information can be found here:

Hampton: Winnacunnet Rd. Improvements

Status: Engineering (spring 2025)

Construction for complete Streets Improvements on Winnacunnet Rd is slated to begin in 2029.

Concord: Main St. Improvements

Status: Completed

The City of Concord desired an attractive and vibrant Main Street. The Downtown Complete Streets Improvement Project proposed a transformation of Main Street, making it a destination for residents, shoppers, and tourists.

Nashua: Canal St. Improvements

Status: Planning

Study and Implement Complete Streets Improvements on Canal St from Railroad Square to Taylors Falls Bridge.

Manchester: Canal St. Multi-Use Path

Status: Planning

This project consists of 4,800 linear feet of multi-use trail through the urban core with associated ADA accessibility improvements at crosswalks and four existing pedestrian crossings of the railroad corridor. This project also ties into the “Mill Girl” plaza improvements at the Stark Street and Canal Street.

Dover: Central Ave. Complete Streets

Status: Planning

Complete Street reconstruction between Stark Ave and Silver St as Identified in Congressionally Directed Spending 2023 Legislation

Lebanon: Hanover Street at High Street Intersection

Status: Planning

The Hanover Street / High Street intersection project includes two alternatives. Alternative B is pictured above.

Alternative A: The Hanover Street / High Street intersection will be slightly reconfigured to improve pedestrian crossings and to add traffic signals. The signals will improve access from the side streets during peak hours, which is a problem today, and will provide pedestrian signals for the crosswalks. An exclusive left turn lane will be added to the northbound approach on Hanover Street.

Alternative B: The Hanover Street / High Street intersection will be reconfigured into a roundabout. The roundabout will calm traffic on Hanover Street, will improve pedestrian crossings and will provide aesthetic improvement opportunities through the landscaped center island. It will also provide excellent access to and from High Street, and the roundabout may serve as a symbolic gateway to the downtown.

Lebanon: Hanover Street Corridor Improvements

Status: Planning

The Hanover Street Corridor project includes two alternatives. Alternative B is pictured above.

Alternative A: Reimagines Hanover Street with new crosswalks, landscaping, and lighting. Improves sidewalks to provide continuous ADA compliant walking corridor. Improved pedestrian crossings with bumpouts and possibly rectangular rapid flashing beacons at key crossings.

Alternative B: Reimagines Hanover Street removing parking on one side of the street which will make way for on street bike lanes, new crosswalks, landscaping, and lighting on one side. Improves sidewalks to provide continuous ADA compliant walking corridor. Improved pedestrian crossings with bumpouts on one side and possibly rectangular rapid flashing beacons at key crossings.

Lebanon: Hanover Street at Route 120 Intersection

Status: Planning

Hanover Street at Route 120 Intersection includes two alternatives. Alternative B is pictured above.

Alternative A: The RT 120 and Hanover Street intersection will maintain the current “T” interchange and enhance the sidewalks, landscaping, and road alignment. The Route 120 approach will remain under STOP control and will continue to experience peak hour delay. Minor geometric improvements will be made to enhance bike accommodations.

Alternative B: The Route 120 approach will be converted from a STOP condition to free flow onto Hanover Street to eliminate delay on this approach. This will be accomplished by creating a sweeping curve to align the two roadways end to end and to slow traffic approaching downtown. The minor Hanover Street southbound approach will Tee into the new Hanover / Route 120 roadway. The intersection will not be signalized and there will be turn lanes on all three approaches. Bike Lanes will be included in the intersection design to accommodate bikes.

Somersworth: Main St. Improvements

Status: Planning

Complete Street Improvements on Main St from ~Indigo Hill Rd to John Parson Dr ~3,700 linear-feet.

Manchester: Exit 8/ Wellington Rd. Improvements

Status: Planning

Exit 8/Wellington Rd Improvements (Capacity Improvements Including Limited Bike Lanes) from ~Circular Dr to Eastern Ave ~1.4mi

Portsmouth: Elwyn Rd. Multi-Use Path

Status: Design

The Elwyn Road Side Path Project seeks to create a separated path for shared use by bicycles and pedestrians along the north side of Elwyn Road running from Route 1 on the western end to Harding Road on the eastern. 

This project is being funded in part from grant funds provided by the Federal Highway Administration through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program administered by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT).

Portsmouth: Peverly Hill Road Complete Streets Project

The City has obtained a State/Federal grant to help fund improvements that will link the Middle Road/Portsmouth Plains area to the Route 1 corridor. The State funding for the project comes from the Federal Congestion Management and Air Quality program.

Swanzey: West Swanzey Road Through West Swanzey Village Improvements

NH 10 from approximately North Winchester Street to South Winchester Street.

The purpose of this project is to provide access management, traffic calming, intersection improvements, and complete streets improvements to increase non-motorized activity and protections for pedestrians on West Swanzey Road (NH 10) between North and South Winchester Street.

This project is in the nomination phase for inclusion in the 2025 - 2034 Ten Year Plan

Keene: West Street Corridor Improvements Project

West Street between Rt. 9/10/12 and School Street

The purpose of this project is to address the long-standing issue of vehicle congestion on West Street and the surrounding neighborhoods while also providing a “Complete Street” that accommodates cars, trucks, busses, bicycles and pedestrians and creating an aesthetically appealing gateway from the State highway into the City of Keene.

Amherst: Baboosic Greenway

The state of New Hampshire recognizes the potential of the Baboosic Greenway, and in an unparalleled move, has awarded the Town of Amherst with a generous 80% funding for a project valued at $2,379,566. This project's goal? To transform an existing 1.9-mile shared-use path into a 4.6-mile-long safety-focused network that spans from the border with the Town of Milford, passing through the Amherst Village, and stretching roughly along the abandoned Milford & Manchester Branch rail bed to Walnut Hill Rd.

Sugar Hill: Traffic Calming Pop-Up Project

North Country Council conducted a pop-up in the Sugar Hill town center from Friday August 16 th  to Monday, August 19 th , 2024. The goal of the pop-up demonstration was to improve the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles through town by reducing speeds and increasing the visibility of the pedestrian crossing in the town center. The pop-up also supported local efforts to highlight the town center and create a sense of place.

Durham: Madbury Road Complete Streets Project

The Town of Durham is in the design phase of developing improvements to Madbury Road, a main transportation corridor used extensively by pedestrians, runners, cyclists, buses and other motor vehicles.

More information can be found here:  Madbury Road Complete Streets Project 

Resources