Route 3/11 paving project starts Monday

Paving on the Route 3/11 bypass will start on Monday, with night work planned for the next four weeks, ending just before the start of Laconia Motorcycle Week.

“Pike Industries is tentatively scheduled to begin milling and paving operations on the Laconia-Gilford Bypass during the night of Tuesday, May 12,” said Jennifer Lane, chief communications office for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. “Work is expected to continue through approximately June 12, 2026, weather-permitting.”

Lane said the project includes paving of the entire bypass, from the intersection with U.S. 3B in Belmont, to the intersection with NH Route 11 in Gilford. It will include all entrances and on-ramps.

“Work on the main roadway will include a leveling layer of pavement, followed by a new wearing surface,” Lane said. “Ramp work will involve milling off the existing pavement surface and replacing it with new pavement.”

The work was originally slated to start on May 26. The Gilford Department of Public Works posted a notification to social media that the timeline had been moved up to May 11, starting with shimming and leveling in the first week. Week two involves milling of the bypass mainline, followed by the milling of ramps in the third week, and the final topcoat of paving in week four.

Lane said installation of a centerline rumble strip and final pavement striping has not been scheduled, but these are anticipated to take place about a month after the final paving.

NH DOT staff remind motorists there will be alternating road closures, changing traffic patterns and minor delays during the project. Work is weather-dependent, and subject to change.

Construction is slated for between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights, in an effort to minimize daytime traffic impacts. Temporary detour signs will be in place when work is underway, as well.

Anyone with questions can call the NH DOT District 3 office at 603-524-6667.