Calling it “a shining example of how innovative investments in New Hampshire’s infrastructure can improve our lives and economy,” Governor Maggie Hassan today cut the ribbon for the new Open Road Tolling (ORT) lanes on I-93 (Everett Turnpike) in Hooksett.
The new highway speed lanes for E-ZPass customers opened today at 4:30 pm.
“Everything pulled together better than expected and we were ready to go,” said NHDOT Turnpikes Administrator Chris Waszczuk. “We wanted to get this new transportation improvement open as soon as possible for Memorial Day Weekend and New Hampshire residents and visitors.”
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The benefits of implementing ORT at the Hooksett Tolls include:
- Improved customer convenience
- Reduced travel time – 270,000 hours annually
- No lines or stopping to pay tolls
- Reduced fuel consumption – 465,000 gallons annually
- Improved air quality – less vehicle idling and delays
- Safer – no lane changing or slowing down
- 30% discount for E-ZPass “passenger type” vehicles
The $23 million project converted six conventional toll lanes to four ORT lanes (two northbound and two southbound). Those lanes are separated by concrete barrier from conventional toll lanes on each side of the Hooksett Plaza. The Hooksett Tolls process over 25 million vehicles a year, and up to 80,000 vehicles a day during summer months.
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For more information on E-ZPass, visit ezpassnh.com
