Local residents can join the Jaffrey Select Board on Thursday for a parade to celebrate the completion of the new bridge connecting the two halves of Route 202.
The new bridge is one installment of a larger downtown road project, which includes a new roundabout on River Street and a roundabout at the lights at the five-way intersection of Blake Street, Main Street, Turnpike Road (Route 124), Peterborough Street (Route 202) and Stratton Road. Construction is expected to continue through spring of 2028, with the main roundabout construction set to be completed next year.
The $23 million state Department of Transportation project eliminates the “dog-leg” connection of Route 202 traffic and is designed to clear traffic congestion downtown.
Thursday’s parade will form on Blake Street at 5:20 p.m. ahead of a 5:30 p.m. start time. Selectmen will lead the procession over the north side of the bridge, cut a ribbon on the River Street side, then return to Blake Street on the south side.
Residents will have an opportunity to walk in the roadway, take pictures and enjoy the view from the new bridge before it opens to traffic on Friday, Oct. 9. The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend.
Following the parade, attendees can join the selectmen for free ice cream at Station 16 on Peterborough Street.
A large celebration will take place upon completion of the Route 202 project, currently
scheduled for June 30, 2028.
Questions may be directed to Administrative Assistant Judy Zola at 603-532-7880.