DOT begins construction at Kancamagus, Rocky Gorge

New Hampshire Department of Transportation has begun road reconstruction on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112).Improvements will begin just before Blackberry Crossing Campground (approximately six miles east of Conway) and continue west to the Passaconaway Campground (approximately 13.5 miles east of Conway). This portion of the Kancamagus Highway will be widened to provide for paved shoulders. Shoulders will reduce the current congestion and unsafe conditions created by motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the same narrow corridor. Road work will begin near the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. A 1.5-mile section of the Kancamagus Highway will be relocated in this area improving the safety of travelers by straightening and widening the road. Traffic may be delayed during tree removal and blasting operations. White Mountain National Forest is also currently under way with improvements at the Rocky Gorge Scenic Area. A new footbridge across the gorge has been placed and work on the trail to Falls Pond is occurring. A new parking lot at Rocky Gorge will be constructed next summer through cooperation between the NH Department of Transportation and White Mountain National Forest. Completion of both projects is expected in the fall of 2005.The Kancamagus Highway was completed in 1959, linking the towns of Conway and Lincoln. This 34-mile section of NH Route 112 was designated a National Forest Scenic Byway in 1989 because of the views it provides of outstanding national forest scenery. For additional information, contact Terry Miller, District Ranger, at the Saco Ranger District at (603) 447-5448.