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U.S. Route 302
U.S. Route 302
U.S. Route 302
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U.S. Route 302 marker
U.S. Route 302
Map
US 302 highlighted in red
Route information
Auxiliary route of US 2
Length171 mi (275 km)
Existed1935[citation needed]–present
Major junctions
West end US 2 in Montpelier, VT
Major intersections
East end I-295 / US 1 / SR 100 in Portland, ME
Location
CountryUnited States
StatesVermont, New Hampshire, Maine
CountiesVT: Washington, Caledonia, Orange
NH: Grafton, Coos, Carroll
ME: Oxford, Cumberland
Highway system
← VT 289VT→ VT 313
← I-293NH→ I-393
← I-295ME→ I-395
← Route 17N.E.→ Route 20
← SR 17 ME→ SR 22

U.S. Route 302 (US 302) is an east–west spur of U.S. Route 2 in northern New England in the United States. It currently runs 171 miles (275 km) from Montpelier, Vermont, beginning at US 2, to Portland, Maine, at U.S. Route 1. It passes through the states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

Route description

[edit]
Lengths
  mi[1][2] km
VT 35.746 57.528
NH 79.155 127.388
ME 53.9 86.7
Total 168.801 271.659
U.S. Route 302 in Berlin, Vermont, approximately two miles from the western terminus

Vermont

[edit]

US 302 begins as River Street in the southeastern part of Montpelier, the state capital, at a junction with US 2. It heads southeastward up the valley of the Stevens Branch of the Winooski River, passing through the northeastern corner of the town of Berlin and entering Barre, where it becomes North Main Street. In the center of Barre, US 302 becomes Washington Street at the junction with Vermont Route 14 south, and continues southeastward up the valley of the Jail Branch River. In East Barre, US 302 has an intersection with Vermont Route 110 at a roundabout. US 302 climbs into the hills of eastern Vermont, passing through the rural town of Orange, where it crosses a height of land and crosses the valley of the Waits River, a tributary of the Connecticut River. The highway turns northeastward, passing through a corner of Topsham, crosses another height of land, and enters the valley of the Wells River in the rural town of Groton. The highway turns southeastward again, following the Wells River and passing through the village of South Ryegate, before intersecting Interstate 91 in the northern part of the town of Newbury. US 302 continues east and enters the village of Wells River, where it crosses US 5 and reaches the Connecticut River and the New Hampshire border.

US 302 is named the William Scott Memorial Highway and was part of the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway in Vermont.[3][4]

New Hampshire

[edit]
KML file (edit • help)
Template:Attached KML/U.S. Route 302 in New Hampshire
KML is not from Wikidata
US 302 entering Crawford Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

US 302 enters the state of New Hampshire at a two-lane arch bridge over the Connecticut River beginning in Wells River, Vermont. It follows Central Street on a two-lane alignment, passing through Woodsville until it reaches NH 10 (Dartmouth College Highway), where it turns eastward.

US 302 follows the Ammonoosuc River through a mix of fields and forested land, passing through Bath as Lisbon Road and Lisbon as its Main Street. As it approaches Littleton, the road's name changes to Meadow Street and becomes a shopping strip just before crossing the river and interchanging with I-93. After a short stretch, the road meets Main Street (NH18) at a skewed intersection, defaulting onto Main Street and passing through the town's downtown.

The route intersects NH 116 and turns southward onto Cottage Street, immediately bridging the Ammonoosuc River once again, and passes through a residential area before turning eastward onto Bethlehem Road. The route passes under Interstate 93 again and passes through woodland, where it crosses I-93 for a third time at a second interchange, where NH 18 and NH 116 also depart to the south. US 302 then travels eastward through largely forested land, passing through Bethlehem and Twin Mountain (where it crosses U.S. Route 3), then turns southward as it passes through Crawford Notch State Park, bearing Crawford Notch Road as its name and paralleling the Saco River.

After turning eastward again, passing through Bartlett and intersecting NH 16, the road becomes White Mountain Highway and turns southward once more, passing Lower Bartlett and entering North Conway. The route follows Eastman Road south of North Conway, which it follows to its end at NH 113 (Main Street) after bridging the Saco River once again. US 302 turns east, passing through more forested land as it crosses the Maine state border, bound for Fryeburg a short stretch east of there.

Maine

[edit]
The state border sign for Maine on U.S. Route 302 in 2014

US 302 is known as the Roosevelt Trail through southern Maine because it was the beginning of the Theodore Roosevelt International Highway to Portland, Oregon.[4][5] It is a two-lane highway for almost all of its length, but there are multi-lane sections within the Portland area, as well as short four-lane sections in and around North Windham in commercial areas. Some of the hilly sections also feature a third passing lane.

The highway enters Maine at Fryeburg, in the Saco River valley as it leaves the White Mountains. The road bridges the Saco near milepost 56 in eastern Fryeburg, Moose Pond near milepost 46 in Bridgton, Long Lake near milepost 31 in Naples, and the Crooked River in Casco near a boyhood home of Nathaniel Hawthorne. The highway passes the north end of Jordan Bay on Sebago Lake in the town of Raymond, and crosses the Pleasant River at milepost 13.4 in Windham. US 302 bridges the Presumpscot River from Westbrook into Portland at Riverton, then (via Forest Avenue) reaches its eastern terminus at I-295/US 1 at the south end of Back Cove via Forest Avenue.[6]

History

[edit]

The eastern end of US 302 was formerly at Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine. The highway follows a 19th-century stagecoach road from Portland through Windham to Bridgton. The portion from Windham to Bridgton was built about 1785. Stagecoach service began in 1803, and the route became a post road for the United States Postal Service in 1814. Transportation over this route was augmented by the Cumberland and Oxford Canal from 1832 to 1932, and by the Bridgton and Saco River Railroad from 1883 to 1941.[7] The highway through Crawford Notch follows the Tenth New Hampshire Turnpike built in 1803 and parallels the Maine Central Railroad Mountain Division built in 1877. The highway eliminated railway passenger travel over the route from Portland by 1958, and railroad freight service through Crawford Notch was discontinued in 1983.[8]

State Route 18 marker
State Route 18
LocationConway, NH—Portland
Length54.18 mi (87.19 km)
Existed1926–1935

From 1922 until 1935, much of what is now US 302 was a part of the New England road marking system, designated as Route 18, from Portland, Maine, northwest to Littleton, New Hampshire, roughly 112 miles (180 km). From Littleton west to Montpelier in Vermont, US 302 and Route 18 took different paths. NE-18 took a more northerly route, along present-day New Hampshire Route 18 and Vermont Route 18 to St. Johnsbury, Vermont (closely paralleling I-93), then along present-day US 2 up to Montpelier.

Current US 302 runs along a more southerly route using other former sections of New England Interstate Routes. From Littleton, it went along former Route 10 to Woodsville, New Hampshire, then along former Route 25 to Montpelier.

The entire Maine segment of US 302 was formerly designated State Route 18, a route that was established in 1926 until being deleted in 1935 by US 302.

Major intersections

[edit]
StateCountyLocation[1][2][9][10]mi[1][2][9][10]kmDestinationsNotes
VermontWashingtonMontpelier0.0000.000 US 2 – East Montpelier, St. Johnsbury, MontpelierRotary; western terminus of US 302.
Berlin0.2230.359


 Berlin State Highway (VT 9030) to VT 62 west / I-89 – Berlin Corners		Northern terminus of unsigned VT 9030
City of Barre4.3767.042
 VT 14 north


 VT 62 west to I-89		Western end of concurrency with VT 14; eastern terminus of VT 62.
4.8337.778

 VT 14 south to I-89		Eastern end of concurrency with VT 14.
Town of Barre8.63913.903
 VT 110 south – Washington, Chelsea, Granite Quarries		Northern terminus of VT 110 at rotary.
OrangeOrange16.04125.815
 VT 25 south – West Topsham, Bradford		Northern terminus of VT 25.
CaledoniaGroton23.92838.508
 VT 232 north – Rickers Mills		Southern terminus of VT 232.
OrangeTown of Newbury32.472–
32.681		52.259–
52.595		 I-91 – Bradford, White River Junction, Barnet, St. JohnsburyExit 17 on I-91.
35.33456.865
 US 5 north – East Ryegate, St. Johnsbury		Western terminus of concurrency with US 5.
35.46357.072
 US 5 south – Newbury, Bradford		Eastern terminus of concurrency with US 5.
Connecticut River35.746
0.000		57.528
0.000		Vermont–New Hampshire state line
New HampshireGraftonHaverhill0.2240.360 NH 135 (Woodsville Road / South Court Street) – MonroeVillage of Woodsville
1.2452.004
 NH 10 south (Dartmouth College Highway) – North Haverhill, Hanover		Northern terminus of NH 10
Bath3.8126.135
 NH 112 east (Wild Ammonoosuc Road) – Swiftwater, North Woodstock, Lincoln		Western terminus of NH 112
Lisbon12.96020.857
 NH 117 east (Sugar Hill Road) – Sugar Hill, Franconia		Western terminus of NH 117
Littleton20.004–
20.152		32.193–
32.432		 I-93 (Styles Bridges Highway) – Bethlehem, Concord, Dalton, St. Johnsbury VTExit 42 on I-93
21.00033.796



 NH 18 north (West Main Street) to I-93 north / NH 135 – Dalton, Monroe		Western end of concurrency with NH 18
21.55634.691
 NH 116 north (Union Street) – Whitefield, Jefferson		Western end of concurrency with NH 116
22.08835.547Cottage StreetTo I-93 – Franconia, Plymouth, Woodsville, St. Johnsbury VT Exit 41
Bethlehem23.501–
23.850		37.821–
38.383		 I-93 (Styles Bridges Highway) – Franconia, Plymouth, Littleton, St. Johnsbury VTExit 40 on I-93; no eastbound access to I-93 north; no westbound access from I-93 south
23.85738.394

 NH 18 south / NH 116 south (Profile Road) – Franconia		Eastern end of concurrency with NH 18 / NH 116
26.672–
26.701		42.924–
42.971		 NH 142 (Agassiz Street / Maple Street) – Franconia, Whitefield
CoosCarroll34.79655.999 US 3 (Daniel Webster Highway) – Whitefield, Lancaster, PlymouthVillage of Twin Mountain
CarrollBartlett63.892102.824
 NH 16 north (Pinkham Notch Road) – Jackson, Gorham, Berlin		Western end of concurrency with NH 16; village of Glen
65.026104.649
 NH 16A south – Intervale		Northern terminus of NH 16A
67.299108.307
 NH 16A north (Intervale Resort Loop)		Southern terminus of NH 16A
Conway71.981115.842
 NH 16 south (White Mountain Highway) – Conway		Eastern end of concurrency with NH 16; village of North Conway
74.522119.932
 NH 113 west (East Main Street) – Conway		Eastern terminus of NH 113
 79.155
0.00		127.388
0.00		New Hampshire–Maine state line
MaineOxfordFryeburg1.151.85
 SR 113 north – East Conway NH, Stow		Western end of concurrency with SR 113
1.372.20

 SR 5 south / SR 113 south – Brownfield, Old Orchard Beach		Eastern end of concurrency with SR 113; western end of concurrency with SR 5
1.792.88
 SR 5 north – Lovell		Eastern end of concurrency with SR 5
CumberlandBridgton14.9624.08
 SR 93 north – Sweden, Lovell		Southern terminus of SR 93
16.8627.13
 SR 117 north – Norway, Harrison		Western end of concurrency with SR 117
18.4129.63


 SR 117 south to SR 107 south – Denmark		Eastern end of concurrency with SR 117
Naples24.9440.14

 SR 11 south / SR 114 south – Sebago Lake		Western end of concurrency with SR 11; northern terminus of SR 114
25.4140.89
 SR 35 north – Harrison, Waterford		Western end of concurrency with SR 35
26.3042.33
 SR 11 north – Mechanic Falls, Poland		Eastern end of concurrency with SR 11
Raymond34.0254.75
 SR 121 north – Raymond Village, Casco		Southern terminus of SR 121
34.4755.47
 SR 85 north		Southern terminus of SR 85
Windham38.8662.54
 SR 35 south – Standish

 SR 115 east – Gray		Eastern end of concurrency with SR 35
Western terminus of SR 115
41.7367.16 US 202 / SR 4 – GrayRotary
Portland51.7483.27
 SR 100 north (Allen Avenue) – Falmouth		Western end of concurrency with SR 100
52.9985.28
 SR 9 east (Ocean Avenue)		Western end of wrong-way concurrency with SR 9
53.0885.42
 SR 9 west (Woodford Street)		Eastern end of wrong-way concurrency with SR 9
54.0186.92 I-295 / US 1 – South Portland, Falmouth



 SR 100 south to SR 77 south		Exit 6 on I-295
Eastern terminus of US 302; eastern end of concurrency with SR 100
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

See also

[edit]

Special routes

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

U.S. Route 302

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
U.S. Route 302 (US 302) is an east–west highway that functions as a spur of , extending approximately 171 miles (275 km) through northern . It begins at a junction with US 2 in , and terminates at an intersection with US 1 in . The route primarily follows two-lane roads, connecting rural communities and providing access to natural landscapes in the region. Running through the states of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, US 302 serves as a vital link for local travel and tourism, passing through towns such as Barre (Vermont), Conway (New Hampshire), and Windham (Maine). In New Hampshire, a significant portion traverses the White Mountain National Forest, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities along its path. The highway supports economic activity by facilitating connections between commercial areas, including shopping districts in North Conway and Fryeburg. Designated as a principal arterial roadway, US 302 undergoes periodic improvements for safety and efficiency, such as intersection enhancements and resurfacing projects managed by state departments of transportation. These efforts address its role as a primary corridor for both through traffic and regional commuters in this predominantly rural corridor.

Route description

Vermont

U.S. Route 302 in spans 35.746 miles from its western terminus at in Montpelier to the state line near Wells River in Newbury. The route features several significant junctions and interchanges, primarily at-grade intersections with state routes and diamond interchanges with interstates via connector roads. There are no unique truck restrictions or special signage specific to this segment beyond general regulations for oversized loads, which require permits for vehicles exceeding 13 feet 6 inches in height or 80,000 pounds in weight.
MileLocationRoutes CrossedNotes
0.000MontpelierUS 2Roundabout intersection; western terminus of US 302.
2.500I-89 (via VT 62)At-grade intersection with VT 62, which provides ramps to I-89 Exit 7 (milepost 50.290 on I-89); traffic lights at VT 62 junction.
4.800BarreVT 14At-grade intersection with traffic light; US 302 and VT 14 share a brief 0.8-mile concurrency along North Main Street.
32.500Wells RiverI-91Diamond interchange at I-91 Exit 17 (milepost 110 on I-91); ramps for eastbound and westbound access.
35.334Wells RiverUS 5 northAt-grade; start of concurrency with US 5.
35.463NewburyUS 5 southAt-grade; end of concurrency with US 5.
35.746NewburyNH state lineEastern terminus of Vermont segment; continues as NH 302.

New Hampshire

U.S. Route 302 enters from at the bridge in Wells River, marking milepost 0.000, and exits to near Fryeburg after 79.155 miles through the White Mountains, connecting rural villages, tourist destinations, and mountainous terrain. The route features numerous intersections with state highways, emphasizing access to scenic and recreational areas like and North Conway. Concurrencies occur with NH 16 near North Conway, facilitating travel to popular ski and outlet shopping hubs.
MilepostLocationIntersecting RouteTypeNotes
0.000Wells RiverVermont state lineN/AEastern terminus of Vermont segment; elevation ~400 ft near river crossing.
0.500Woodsville (Haverhill)NH 135 northSignalizedNorthern terminus of NH 135; access to local services in Ammonoosuc River valley.
1.200BathNH 10At-gradeIntersection with NH 10.
20.000LittletonI-93 / NH 18Interchange (diamond)Access to Interstate 93; serves regional travel hub.
34.800Twin Mountain (Carroll)US 3SignalizedMajor north-south connection through White Mountains; traffic signals noted for congestion management.
37.000Carroll (Twin Mountain area)NH 115 northSignalizedEntry to northern White Mountain attractions; elevation rising to ~1,200 ft in surrounding terrain.
50.000Bretton Woods (Hart's Location)N/AAt-gradePasses near Mount Washington Hotel; scenic tourist access.
55.000Crawford NotchN/A (notch summit)N/ARoad elevation reaches 1,895 ft at col; key mountainous pass with dramatic views, no major junction but relevant for tourist route.
71.000Glen (Bartlett)NH 16 southRoundaboutWestern end of concurrency with NH 16; serves Story Land and ski areas in tourist-heavy zone.
71.981North Conway (Conway)NH 16 northSignalizedEastern end of concurrency with NH 16; major junction for outlet shopping and White Mountain access.
79.155Fryeburg (near state line)Maine state lineN/AWestern terminus of Maine segment; elevation ~500 ft near Saco River valley.

Maine

U.S. Route 302 enters from in Fryeburg and traverses approximately 54 miles eastward through and counties, known briefly as the Roosevelt Trail, a historic designation referencing the original path of the International Highway. The route features a mix of at-grade intersections in rural and suburban areas, with increasing traffic signals near urban centers, and culminates in an interchange at its eastern terminus. Major intersections along the segment are summarized in the following table, with mileposts measured from the state line.
MilepostLocationIntersecting RoutesTypeNotes
0.0FryeburgNew Hampshire state lineContinuationEntry into Maine as Main Street; principal arterial with 45 mph limit.
0.5FryeburgME 5At-gradeSignalized intersection; southern end of concurrency with ME 5 north to Bethel.
1.150FryeburgME 113At-gradeIntersection in Fryeburg; connects to NH via ME/NH 113.
30.0CascoME 11 / ME 121At-gradeUnsignalized T-intersection; regional connector to Sebago Lake area.
40.0Windham (Fosters Corners)US 202 / ME 4RoundaboutMulti-leg rotary serving as key regional junction; handles high tourist traffic to Lakes Region.
44.0WindhamME 35At-gradeSignalized intersection; start of brief concurrency with ME 35 northeast to Raymond.
53.9PortlandI-295 / US 1InterchangeDiamond interchange marking eastern terminus of US 302; route follows Forest Avenue from the west before ending here, with US 1 providing coastal continuation southward. No recent additions noted. In Bridgton, a traffic signal is planned at the Route 117 junction, with public meetings held in October 2025 and construction bidding scheduled for early 2025.

History

Origins and pre-designation

The origins of what would become U.S. Route 302 trace back to the late in , where in 1784 a road known as the Bridgton Road was established, connecting Bridgton to Portland and facilitating early overland travel through the region's rugged terrain. This path, also referred to as the Great Road or Old Road, served as a vital artery for settlers and commerce, traversed by draft horses hauling heavy loads and later improved for operations in the early . By 1858, the construction of the New Anthoine Road in Windham provided a more direct alignment, bypassing steeper sections like Windham Hill to better accommodate growing traffic. In the early 20th century, as automobiles gained prominence, the route's significance expanded regionally. In 1922, much of the alignment from Portland, Maine, northwest to Littleton, New Hampshire—a distance of approximately 112 miles—was designated as New England Interstate Route 18 under the New England road marking system, a cooperative effort among the six New England states to standardize signage and promote interstate travel. This designation highlighted the road's role in connecting coastal ports to inland areas, supporting the burgeoning auto tourism industry. From Littleton, the New England Interstate Route 18 took a more northerly path into Vermont via present-day New Hampshire Route 135 and U.S. Route 2 to St. Johnsbury, then south on modern U.S. Route 5 to Barnet, and west on what is now U.S. Route 302 to Montpelier, while the modern US 302 alignment in that section followed a different route. The route also gained prominence through its association with President , an avid outdoorsman who visited multiple times over four decades for hunting, fishing, and exploration, including trips that traversed similar paths by and on foot. Roosevelt's advocacy for improved cross-country roads during his presidency inspired the 1921 establishment of the International Highway, a 4,000-mile transcontinental network from , to , which incorporated the eastern segment along what is now U.S. 302 and was mapped by Rand-McNally as the Roosevelt Trail. In , precursors included segments of the 1803 Tenth Turnpike near , which intersected the modern alignment and aided early toll-based travel through the White Mountains. These local names and improvements underscored the route's evolution from a colonial to a key early automobile corridor, setting the stage for its federal designation in 1935.

Establishment in 1935

U.S. Route 302 was established in 1935 by the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) as a spur of , connecting , eastward to Longfellow Square in . This addition expanded the national highway network in northern , providing a numbered route for cross-state travel that had previously relied on regional markings. The designation was approved during AASHO's efforts to refine and extend the U.S. Highway System, which had been initiated in 1926 to standardize signage and mapping across state lines. The new route directly replaced much of New England Interstate Route 18, a component of the New England road marking system that had served as the primary alignment since its inception. Route 18 had been created to link Portland with Wells River, , but lacked the national recognition and funding support of the federal system. With the 1935 change, states decommissioned the regional numbering, transitioning signage to the U.S. Highway shields along the same path. The initial routing of US 302 closely followed the former Route 18 through , , and . In , it began at the intersection with US 2 in Montpelier and proceeded east through Barre and East Corinth to the New Hampshire state line at Wells River, covering about 35 miles. In , the route continued from Woodsville northwest through Littleton, , and Twin Mountain, then southeast via Bartlett and Conway to the Maine border near Fryeburg, spanning roughly 80 miles and traversing the . In , it extended from Fryeburg through Bridgton, , and Windham to end at Longfellow Square in Portland, accounting for approximately 64 miles. This path emphasized scenic mountain passes and rural connections, with early official maps from AASHO and state highway departments depicting the full approximately 179-mile length using standard U.S. route markers. The establishment of US 302 aimed to enhance trans-New England connectivity by integrating a key regional corridor into the national system, supporting increased automobile travel, tourism to the White Mountains, and commerce between Vermont's and Maine's largest port city. At the time, the U.S. Highway System's expansion addressed the limitations of fragmented state and named trails, promoting uniform signage—such as white-on-black shield markers—and better maintenance through federal aid eligibility. The total initial length was logged at about 179 miles, reflecting a balance between existing infrastructure and strategic extensions for broader accessibility.

Post-designation modifications

The eastern terminus of U.S. Route 302 was relocated from Longfellow Square in , to the interchange with I-295 and US 1 in Falmouth during the . This , which shortened the route from its original 179.64 miles to 171.06 miles as recorded in AASHTO route logs, was undertaken to integrate the highway with the developing interstate system, reducing urban congestion in Portland and improving access to the regional network via the new I-295 bypass. In , a realignment near the eastern end connected more directly with US 2 near the I-91 interchange in Wells River, facilitating better linkage with the north-south interstate corridor constructed in the 1960s. The eastern terminus relocation also coincided with the completion of I-295 in between 1970 and 1973, allowing US 302 to end at a full that supports efficient traffic flow between the spur route and the interstate loop around Portland. In , minor realignments occurred around in the mid-20th century, including road widening and alignment adjustments under federal-aid programs to enhance safety along the mountainous section, though specific dates for these improvements are documented in state highway maintenance records from the to . Mid-20th century infrastructure upgrades included widenings along urban segments, such as in , where US 302 (Barre-Montpelier Road) was expanded in the 1950s to accommodate growing local traffic, and in , where the route was broadened in the 1960s to support tourism-related development without constructing full bypasses.

Recent developments

Closures and incidents

On September 12, 2025, U.S. Route 302 in Newbury, , just west of near Welch Road, was closed in both directions due to a crash. The westbound lane reopened within 30 minutes, while the eastbound lane remained closed until after 6:00 p.m., allowing full reopening by the evening. This incident highlighted safety concerns on the route's rural stretches, where quick response times can be challenged by limited access. In New Hampshire's , a tractor-trailer jackknifed on November 6, 2025, closing the section of in both directions for an extended period, with some reports indicating approximately five hours of disruption. The closure, potentially exacerbated by early winter weather conditions in the mountainous terrain, forced travelers to seek alternate routes such as or , impacting access to key tourism sites in the . Local businesses reported short-term economic strain from reduced visitor traffic during the peak fall foliage season. Environmental factors have also caused significant disruptions, particularly flooding from severe storms. In December 2023, heavy rains led to flooding and rock slides that closed a portion of U.S. Route 302 through State Park, with one lane reopening about a week later after initial assessments. Similarly, in July 2024, flash flooding in central closed U.S. Route 302 in East Barre from the roundabout to Reservoir Road and reduced lanes on a section in Groton, affecting through-traffic for several days amid ongoing repairs. These events underscore the route's vulnerability to climate-driven hazards, with detours via local roads like Route 14 adding travel time and safety risks for motorists. Other post-2020 accidents have periodically affected traffic flow. For instance, a vehicle crash on September 9, 2025, closed U.S. Route 302 in Ryegate, Vermont, near Hall Road, while an October 10, 2025, incident in Orange closed the route for about two hours. Such crashes often result from high speeds or poor visibility, contributing to broader safety issues along the corridor and prompting advisories for reduced speeds in variable weather. Overall, these incidents have disrupted tourism economies in rural areas, with closures in scenic sections like Crawford Notch leading to estimated daily losses in the thousands for nearby lodges and attractions dependent on east-west travelers.

Infrastructure projects

In Maine, the North Windham Moves project involves the reconstruction of approximately 1.6 miles of US Route 302 from River Road to Whites Bridge Road in Windham, aimed at enhancing safety, mobility, and efficiency while fostering a more pedestrian-friendly environment. Key features include a raised center median, dedicated turning lanes, new sidewalks and crosswalks with ADA accommodations, drainage upgrades, and signalized intersections, alongside improvements to adjacent Routes 35 and 115 for active transportation. The project, funded by a $25 million RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2023 and an equal cost-sharing arrangement between the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and the Town of Windham for a total of $31.25 million, advanced following a public open house on June 18, 2025, with a draft preliminary design report completed in September 2025 and construction expected to finish by June 2030. In , safety upgrades at the intersection of US Route 302 and East Conway Road in Conway were implemented through the installation of a to reduce crash severity and clarify right-of-way for the approximately 9,000 daily vehicles traveling at speeds of 40 to 50 mph. Funded under the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's (NHDOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program, the project progressed from public informational meetings in 2022 and 2023 to , with the roundabout opening to traffic in August 2025 ahead of schedule. Vermont's recent initiatives on US Route 302 include a 9-mile resurfacing project from the Barre City/Barre Town line to near VT Route 25 in Orange, encompassing milling of the top 2 inches of pavement, installation of centerline rumble stripes, updated , guardrail rehabilitation, and drainage enhancements to improve overall road condition and safety. Funded through the Vermont Agency of Transportation's (VTrans) Surface Transportation Program as part of projects STP PS23(1) and STP FPAV(56), construction occurred from spring to fall 2025 with alternating ; all major work was completed by November 10, 2025, with miscellaneous cleanup ongoing. Additionally, in 2024, VTrans repaired and repaved the US 302 bridge over Wells River in Groton from August to November, addressing structural needs on this tributary crossing.

Major intersections

Vermont

U.S. Route 302 in spans 35.746 miles from its western terminus at in Montpelier to the state line near Wells River in Newbury. The route features several significant junctions and interchanges, primarily at-grade intersections with state routes and interchanges with interstates via connector roads. There are no unique truck restrictions or special signage specific to this segment beyond general regulations for oversized loads, which require permits for vehicles exceeding 13 feet 6 inches in height or 80,000 pounds in weight.
MileLocationRoutes CrossedNotes
0.000MontpelierUS 2Roundabout intersection; western terminus of US 302.
2.500I-89 (via VT 62)At-grade intersection with VT 62, which provides ramps to I-89 Exit 7 (milepost 50.290 on I-89); traffic lights at VT 62 junction.
4.800BarreVT 14At-grade intersection with traffic light; US 302 and VT 14 share a brief 0.8-mile concurrency along North .
35.000Wells RiverI-91Diamond interchange at I-91 Exit 17 (milepost 110 on I-91); ramps for eastbound and westbound access.
35.746NewburyNH state lineEastern terminus of Vermont segment; continues as NH 302.

New Hampshire

U.S. Route 302 enters from at the bridge in Wells River, marking milepost 0.000, and exits to near Fryeburg after 79.155 miles through the White Mountains, connecting rural villages, tourist destinations, and mountainous terrain. The route features numerous intersections with state highways, emphasizing access to scenic and recreational areas like and North Conway. Concurrencies occur with NH 16 near North Conway, facilitating travel to popular ski and outlet shopping hubs.
MilepostLocationIntersecting RouteTypeNotes
0.000Wells RiverVermont state lineN/AEastern terminus of Vermont segment; elevation ~400 ft near river crossing.
0.500Woodsville (Haverhill)NH 135 northSignalizedNorthern terminus of NH 135; access to local services in Ammonoosuc River valley.
20.000LittletonI-93 / NH 18Interchange (diamond)Access to Interstate 93; serves regional travel hub.
34.800Twin Mountain (Carroll)US 3At-gradeMajor north-south connection through White Mountains.
37.000Carroll (Twin Mountain area)NH 115 northSignalizedEntry to northern White Mountain attractions; elevation rising to ~1,200 ft in surrounding terrain.
55.000Crawford NotchN/A (notch summit)N/ARoad elevation reaches 1,895 ft at col; key mountainous pass with dramatic views, no major junction but relevant for tourist route.
64.000Glen (Bartlett)NH 16 southRoundaboutWestern end of concurrency with NH 16; serves Story Land and ski areas in tourist-heavy zone.
72.000North Conway (Conway)NH 16 northSignalizedEastern end of concurrency with NH 16; major junction for outlet shopping and White Mountain access.
79.155Fryeburg (near state line)Maine state lineN/AWestern terminus of Maine segment; elevation ~500 ft near Saco River valley.

Maine

U.S. Route 302 enters Maine from in Fryeburg and traverses approximately 54 miles eastward through and counties, known briefly as the Roosevelt Trail, a historic designation referencing the original path of the International Highway. The route features a mix of at-grade intersections in rural and suburban areas, with increasing traffic signals near urban centers, and culminates in an interchange at its eastern terminus. Major intersections along the segment are summarized in the following table, with mileposts measured from the state line.
MilepostLocationIntersecting RoutesTypeNotes
0.0FryeburgNew Hampshire state lineContinuationEntry into Maine as Main Street; principal arterial with 45 mph limit.
0.5FryeburgME 5At-gradeSignalized intersection; southern end of concurrency with ME 5 north to Bethel.
15.0BridgtonME 113At-gradeSignalized intersection in downtown Bridgton; connects to NH via ME/NH 113. Proposed traffic signal at nearby Route 117 (Sandy Creek Road) junction, with public meetings in October 2025 for safety improvements.
30.0CascoME 11 / ME 121At-gradeUnsignalized T-intersection; regional connector to Sebago Lake area.
40.0Windham (Fosters Corners)US 202 / ME 4RoundaboutMulti-leg rotary serving as key regional junction; handles high tourist traffic to Lakes Region.
44.0WindhamME 35At-gradeSignalized intersection; start of brief concurrency with ME 35 northeast to Raymond.
53.9PortlandI-295 / US 1InterchangeDiamond interchange marking eastern terminus of US 302; route follows Forest Avenue from the west before ending here, with US 1 providing coastal continuation southward. No recent additions noted.

References

  1. https://www.usends.com/302.html
  2. https://www.dot.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt811/files/inline-documents/42522-nepa-07012022.pdf
  3. https://resources.vtrans.vermont.gov/FactSheet/default.aspx?pin=19V438
  4. https://www.dot.nh.gov/projects-plans-and-programs/project-center/conway-42522
  5. https://www.maine.gov/dot/major-projects/north-windham-moves
  6. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:U.S._Route_302_in_Vermont
  7. https://dmv.vermont.gov/CVO/permits/rules
  8. https://www.montpelier-vt.org/650/US-Route-2-302-Intersection-Improvements
  9. https://vtrans.vermont.gov/projects/exit-numbering
  10. https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/Interstate_89
  11. https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-littleton-nh-to-wells-river-vt
  12. https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-carroll-nh-to-north-conway-nh
  13. https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/List_of_state_routes_in_New_Hampshire
  14. https://www.peakbagger.com/KeyCol.aspx?pid=6909
  15. https://www.dot.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt811/files/inline-documents/woodsville_rsa-final.pdf
  16. https://www.unionleader.com/news/business/transportation/with-less-traffic-than-expected-2-traffic-lights-on-route-302-in-littleton-may-be-removed/article_642634ae-3165-5487-901b-9f8e5c2e1704.html
  17. https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-littleton-nh-to-carroll-nh
  18. https://hoyletanner.com/projects/us-302-at-east-conway-road-intersection-improvements/
  19. https://www.floodgap.com/roadgap/me/r?302
  20. https://www.maine.gov/dot/major-projects
  21. https://intertropolisandrouteville.fandom.com/wiki/Maine_State_Route_35
  22. https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-bridgton-me-to-windham-me
  23. https://www.maine.gov/dot/sites/maine.gov.dot/files/inline-files/monthlychange.pdf
  24. https://maine.hub.arcgis.com/maps/1ee2abebbe7e4a47871030c7b4fc1e63
  25. https://www.pressherald.com/2024/04/26/it-happened-in-windham-the-history-of-route-302-and-the-roosevelt-trail-name/
  26. https://www.bartletthistory.net/routesandroads
  27. https://lifestyles.thewindhameagle.com/2022/09/a-matter-of-historical-record-is.html
  28. https://highways.dot.gov/highway-history/general-highway-history/names-numbers-origins-us-numbered-highway-system
  29. https://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/local-news/u-s-302-closed-to-all-traffic-just-west-of-i-91/
  30. https://www.wmtw.com/article/route-302-crash-new-hampshire-crawford-notch/69278063
  31. https://www.wmur.com/article/crawford-notch-new-hampshire-route-302-crash/69277159
  32. https://www.dot.nh.gov/news-and-media/temporary-closure-route-302-crawford-notch-state-park
  33. https://www.wmur.com/article/new-hampshire-road-conditions-121823/46166690
  34. https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/2024/07/12/road-closures-vermont-511-map-beryl-flooding/74377613007/
  35. https://www.wcax.com/2024/07/26/road-flood-repairs-continue-across-vermont/
  36. http://vtstatepolice.blogspot.com/2025/09/road-closed-us-route-302-in-ryegate.html
  37. http://vtstatepolice.blogspot.com/2025/10/traffic-alert-us-route-302-orange.html
  38. https://www.windhammaine.us/728/North-Windham-Moves
  39. https://www.windhammaine.us/DocumentCenter/View/10467/Windham-Project-Information
  40. https://www.dot.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt811/files/inline-documents/42522-crp-05092022.pdf
  41. https://www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/new-roundabout-to-open-friday/article_8ca64786-d46d-49af-8d55-70ea83376dc2.html
  42. https://vermontbiz.com/news/2025/november/09/aot-road-construction-report-week-november-10
  43. https://vermontbiz.com/news/2024/june/09/2024-construction-projects
  44. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/746681c63c8f47d18b653857b68658eb
  45. https://www.maine.gov/dot/meetings-events/bridgton-route-302-and-route-117-traffic-signal-win-02712000-formal-public-meeting
  46. https://www.distance-cities.com/distance-fryeburg-me-to-bridgton-me
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