The federal funding resulted from an “earmark” added to legislation around 2004 +/- by an unnamed member of the then NH Congressional delegation. The amount of the earmark was sufficient to totally redesign the circle and DOT then believed the funding could only be used for the circle.
Around 2006 DOT developed plans for discussion: the “signal plan” which they advised against as the least safe and lowest capacity and the “roundabout plan” which they favored as safest and highest long term capacity.
In a series of public hearings it was clear that public sentiment strongly favored keeping the existing oval shape. The plan evolved into making minor safety related changes to the existing oval.
As only a portion of the funding would be used, DOT was asked to stretch the rules to include nearby side walk extensions and widening Main Street up to Dunken Donuts to help alleviate morning donut traffic back-ups. Also DOT was asked to look into dealing with safety issues as far away as the Stockbridge Corner intersection.
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