Plans Call for State Route 110 Through Methuen, Haverhill, Etc. to Better Serve Non-Drivers

Reimagining 110 Project Extent Map.

Path worn by people walking and biking along Route 110 shows insufficient sidewalks and bicycle lanes. (Courtesy photograph.)

State highway Route 110, which largely hugs the Merrimack River through Methuen, Lawrence, Haverhill, Merrimac and Amesbury, is targeted for improvement with a $1.2 million federal grant.

Haverhill-based Merrimack Valley Planning Commission said it will use the money from a Department of Transportation Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program grant to pay for planning and design, reimagining transportation along the Route 110 corridor. Officials said improvements have the potential to connect two anticipated north-south active transportation routes—the Lawrence to Manchester Rail Trail and the Border to Boston Trail.

As WHAV reported first earlier this month, the project envisions “safe and comfortable active transportation options, especially in high-crash areas.”

“This funding will enable us to develop a comprehensive network of safe and accessible pathways for walking and biking throughout the Merrimack Valley. By enhancing connectivity between our communities, we aim to promote healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion and improve access to essential services for all residents,” said Commission Executive Director Jerrard Whitten.

The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission’s Transportation Program will invite the public to re-envision 110 for use by pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and other non-driving modes of transportation. Planning activities will include site visits, existing conditions analyses, traffic data collection, imaging via drone flights and mapping analyses. The Commission will partner with cities and towns and local organizations to conduct community engagement activities including online surveys, pop-up events, public meetings and preliminary conceptual design meetings. The planning process will take about two years.

Congresswoman Lori Trahan, noting the money comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law said. “This project will strengthen pedestrian and cyclist safety, direct additional visitors to local small businesses and improve our region’s economy.”

“This award highlights the shared transportation vision of Merrimack Valley’s communities, which each value safe mobility options and the expansion of opportunity for those who lack access to a personal vehicle. Given the vast differences in the built environment along 110, the project also acknowledges that, with good planning, facility continuity can still respond to context. When we collaborate as a region, we succeed,” said Commission Transportation Program Manager Patrick Reed.

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