The Salem Municipal Services Department is pleased to report that construction work at the intersection of Broadway (NH Route 28) with Main Street (NH Route 97), (the “Depot”) was finally completed in 2023

The Depot intersection is the centerpiece of the Salem Depot overlay zone and continues to be redeveloped and improved. The reconstruction contract for the Depot Intersection Project was initially awarded in late 2020 and work efforts began in spring 2021.

Various challenges and changes delayed project completion until 2022. Then, project completion was delayed again with the departure of the general contactor after encountering numerous operational and performance issues. The performance bond for the project was called at which time the Town assumed general contractor duties. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the Salem Engineering Division coordinated and directed all remaining work for the project.

Despite the delays, the project was a tremendous success. Pedestrian and vehicular traffic are now safer and more efficient through the intersection.

In addition to desperately needed operational, maintenance, and safety improvements, the project provides aesthetic features crucial to redevelopment and revitalization of the area. The following elements (and more) were constructed as a part of the project that were conceptualized in the 2011 Depot Intersection Redevelopment Concept Plan:

• Wider concrete sidewalks
• Decorative light poles and signals
• Improved landscaping
• Street trees and other streetscape aesthetics

To view the 2011 Depot Intersection Redevelopment Concept Plan, please visit: https://salemnh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/397/Depot-Intersection-Redevelopment-Concept-Plan-PDF?bidId=