Question:
"Why are there no bike lanes connecting the hospital on rt 120? Why are there no bike lanes connecting west leb and hanover on 10? Why do we have so many traffic lights when roundabouts would be faster and less prone to mega traffic jams? What are we doing about these things?"
LebAnswer:
Thank you for raising concerns about bike access and traffic flow. The City of Lebanon continues to work on safer, more connected travel options. Here's an overview of current efforts and challenges.
- Bike Access to DHMC via Route 120 - While Route 120 is a high-speed, high-traffic road primarily under the control of the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT), the City of Lebanon has invested in a network of parallel multi-use paths and bike routes to safely connect people to DHMC and Centerra Marketplace:
- Multi-use paths on Mount Support Road (north and south of Lahaye Drive)
- New path and crossing on Lahaye Drive to reach Centerra
- Bike lanes and sidewalks along Heater Road and Hanover Street Extension
- Altaria multi-use path
- DHMC campus improvements include bike-accessible shoulders along the Loop Road
The Town of Hanover is also planning connections from Medical Center Drive to Greensboro Road for safer access into downtown Hanover.
2. Bike Lanes on Route 10 (West Lebanon to Hanover) - Similar to Route 120, Route 10 is primarily under State jurisdiction (NHDOT). Although the City has made repeated efforts over several decades to have the road widened or restriped for bicycle use, progress has been limited due to several constraints:
- Narrow areas due to ledge, and the Connecticut River, and Wilder Dam proximity
- NHDOT reluctance to narrow travel lanes due to vehicle size and speed
A citizen-led group is exploring an off-road greenway along the power line corridor. A feasibility study is underway.
3. Traffic Lights vs. Roundabouts
The City has been actively investing in roundabouts as a strategy to improve traffic flow and safety:
Completed: Mt. Support Road at Lahaye Drive
Roundabouts in Design or Planning Phases:
- Mechanic/Mascoma/High Street (construction in late 2025)
- Main/Bridge/Dana Street (Phase 2 of West Lebanon Revitalization Project)
- Mechanic/Slayton Hill (planned for 2029 in NHDOT’s Ten-Year Plan)
Roundabouts are considered when conditions support improved traffic efficiency and reduced congestion. However, their implementation requires significant planning, engineering analysis, and funding coordination with state agencies.
Summary
Efforts are actively underway to improve bike and pedestrian access across the city and to manage traffic more effectively. Many of the most significant roadways in question—Route 120 and Route 10—are controlled by NHDOT, which limits the City’s direct ability to implement changes. However, by working with local stakeholders, regional partners, and advocacy groups, Lebanon continues to develop safer and more connected transportation alternatives.
Get Involved
Lebanon has an active Pedestrian & Bicyclist Advisory Committee that works to improve walking and biking conditions throughout the city. The committee meets regularly and welcomes public input and participation. Community members are encouraged to attend meetings, share feedback, and stay informed about upcoming projects and planning efforts. Meeting schedules, agendas, and additional information can be found on the Pedestrian & Bicyclist Advisory Committee web page.