Operation Turnpike Protection

Merrimack, New Hampshire – State and local law enforcement again joined forces for the evening commute to conduct a saturation patrol. Troopers from the New Hampshire State Police Troop B Barracks teamed up with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department to increase visible patrols and improve driving conditions on the Everett Turnpike.

During the course of the four-hour initiative, which took place between 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM, there was a heavy presence of Troopers and Officers on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. The evening commute quickly backed up as a vehicle fire forced the highway to be closed southbound and blocked the northbound left lane while emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire for approximately 25 minutes.

Troopers responded to five separate crashes along the Merrimack stretch of the Turnpike, which added to the backups both north and south. During this patrol, Troopers and Officers stopped 31 motorists, issuing 15 summonses and 14 warnings. Troopers continued to focus on aggressive drivers and excessive speed.

This operation will continue through the month of December during all hours of the day and night with the goal of improving safety during the commuting hours.