NHDOT outlines $1.7 million Route 104 bridge preservation project near Bristol

John Stockton, a bridge engineer with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, told the Bristol Select Board the department plans maintenance and preservation work on the Route 104 bridge over the Pemigewasset River between Bristol and New Hampton. He said the three‑span bridge, built in 1987 and about 405 feet long, will receive deck patching, replacement of expansion joints, new waterproofing membrane and repaving.

Stockton said the project is federally funded and therefore subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Because the bridge is under 50 years old, Stockton said it is not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. "We must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act," he said, and the design team has not identified impacts to historic or cultural resources.

The DOT engineer said the work is planned in two traffic phases: an initial alternating one‑lane configuration for the short work zone (about 800 feet) followed by a flipped configuration that restores two‑way traffic on one side at a time, then full restoration. "We plan to advertise in August with construction next summer in 2027 with an estimated cost of $1,700,000," Stockton said. He told the board the department typically treats bridge assets on roughly a 20‑year maintenance cycle to avoid more invasive renovations.

Board members focused questions on timing and traffic impacts. Stockton said temporary optical vehicle detectors and three temporary signals (one at each end and one at the boat ramp) will minimize needless waiting and the contract can include limits on when a single‑lane configuration may be put in place; members pressed for language ensuring a two‑lane configuration before major events such as July 4 and the town’s bike week.

Stockton said the department will work with the contractor to adjust signal timing if observed backups exceed projections and that preemption devices will allow emergency vehicles to clear the work zone. The project schedule given to the board envisions advertising in August and work during the 2027 construction season.

The Select Board asked staff to follow up on contract language to protect holiday traffic and to circulate the DOT contact information Stockton displayed in his presentation so residents can provide input during project procurement.