Hooksett Highway Safety Committee Meeting - December 15, 2025

The Hooksett Highway Safety Committee met on December 15, 2025, to discuss traffic safety concerns raised by residents, including speeding on Farmer Road, requests for new street lights, issues at state-controlled intersections, and enforcement of no-through-trucking ordinances. The committee heard public testimony, deliberated on several items, and voted to table a request for a three-way stop pending further research on regulations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Davis (resident of Farmer Road) described ongoing speeding issues on Farmer Road since 2022. He cited a recent traffic study showing that eastbound: 2,378 vehicles over four days, 1,210 exceeding 30 mph; westbound: 2,403 vehicles, 1,466 exceeding 30 mph, with seven between 45-49.9 mph, one at 55 mph, and one between 70-74.9 mph. He proposed installing a three-way stop at Farmer Road and Whitehall Terrace to slow traffic, and expressed concern for child safety. He noted that a speed sign donation proposal had stalled.
• Council member (unidentified) expressed sympathy but noted the study showed only 1.6% of drivers exceeded the speed limit by 10+ mph. The police chief (Chief Sergeant) stated that a three-way stop could cause different safety issues (e.g., drivers running stop signs). The committee agreed to research regulations before proceeding.

Discussion Items

• Farmer Road Three-Way Stop Request: Mr. Davis presented data and requested a stop sign. The committee discussed traffic study statistics, feasibility, and potential unintended consequences. The police chief and members noted that stop signs on a through road could lead to collisions. The committee decided to table the request to investigate whether regulations allow such a sign and to consult with the town engineer.
• Street Light Considerations: The committee discussed two requests for new street lights (on a road and Route 3, and another on Royal Oak Street). Members debated criteria for adding lights, including safety, ambient light, crime, and neighbor input. The committee agreed to research other towns' criteria and cost data before making recommendations to the Town Council. A motion was made to hold the requests until criteria are developed.
• State Road Intersection Issues: A resident (via email chain) requested a crosswalk at a state-controlled intersection (likely on Route 3 or similar). The committee noted the state controls the road and is aware of the issue; they discussed following up with NH DOT regarding capital improvement plans. The fire chief mentioned Opticon signal malfunction at the intersection, which creates safety hazards for emergency vehicles. The committee agreed to invite a state DOT representative to the next meeting.
• Victory Lane / SNHU Area Intersection: A late request was raised about a confusing intersection at Victory Lane (private road) and Alice Drive. The committee discussed signage issues and the need to coordinate with SNHU, noting that the road has a right-of-way left turn with a stop sign from Victory Lane, leading to confusion. They agreed to contact SNHU and review accident data.
• Martins Ferry Road - No-Through Trucking and Culvert: A council member (also a resident) raised concerns about heavy truck traffic on Martins Ferry Road, which has a weight-limited culvert. The police chief explained enforcement challenges: the current ordinance is vague (covers vehicles over 3 tons, including many personal vehicles), and police lack portable scales. The committee discussed revising the ordinance to focus on commercial vehicles and to look at other towns' regulations (e.g., Bow). The committee also noted a request from a Goffstown resident for similar enforcement on Hooksett Road. The council member asked for support from the police to increase education and enforcement. A separate discussion covered the culvert replacement project (cost ~$1.5M for a full bridge or piecemeal repairs) and the need to preserve access for emergency vehicles.
• School Traffic Congestion: A council member noted heavy parent drop-off traffic at Andrew Hill School, backing up onto Route 3. The superintendent was suggested as a resource. The committee acknowledged the issue but took no formal action.
• Line of Sight Issues: A member raised visibility problems at the intersection of Hooksett Road and Main Street due to overgrown trees. The committee noted that the state has cut back trees in other areas and agreed to reach out to the state for clearing within the town's right-of-way.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to table the Farmer Road three-way stop request pending research on regulations and consultation with the town engineer. Passed unanimously.
• Agreed to develop criteria for new street light requests by researching other towns' standards and cost data. The two pending requests will be held until criteria are established.
• Agreed to invite a NH DOT representative to a future meeting to discuss the state-controlled intersection, crosswalk request, and Opticon signal maintenance.
• Agreed to contact SNHU regarding the Victory Lane intersection and signage issues; the police will review accident data for that area.
• Agreed to research other towns' no-through-trucking ordinances to propose clarifying language for Hooksett's ordinance, with a focus on commercial vehicles. The police will increase education efforts in the interim.
• Agreed to reach out to the state about tree trimming for line of sight at Hooksett Road and Main Street.